Illinois Representatives express concerns over dismantling of the Department of Education

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. (WAND)- On Thursday, March 19, President Donald Trump signed Executive orders to dismantle the Department of Education.

Although this still needs to be approved by Congress, Democrats have expressed frustrations at the decision.

Illinois Governor J.B Pritzker expressed his concerns, describing the decision as "dire" for children and families across Illinois.

"We get about $3.5 billion dollars of funding from the Federal Government every year and have for many years to support children with special needs, children with disabilities. That is money that can't be replaced by state government," explains Pritzker.

If the Department of Education were to disband, it could affect programs such as the Pell grant, or Title One, which offers funding for low-income students.

According to Congresswoman and 14th District Representative Lauren Underwood (D), the Department of Education also provides funding for disabled students, and helps them get access to teaching aids who can help them in the classroom.

Things can change, but Underwood says that people must advocate.

"We have the ability, through advocacy and standing together to save the department of education and these critical programs," says Underwood.