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S. R. No. 100 *SS26/R1637* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
26/SS26/R1637
PAGE 1 (rdd\kr)
To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Senator(s) DeBar, Seymour, Younger
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 100
A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT THE DEVOLUTION OF POWER FROM THE 1
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO THE STATES AND TO URGE 2
THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO FULLY COOPERATE WITH THESE EFFORTS. 3
WHEREAS, the Tenth Amendment to the United States 4
Constitution clearly states that powers that are not delegated to 5
the federal government, nor prohibited by it to the states, are 6
reserved to the states or the people. Education is not enumerated 7
as a responsibility of the federal government; and 8
WHEREAS, the creation of the United States Department of 9
Education in 1980 has contributed to significant federal overreach 10
into education through burdensome regulations and 11
one-size-fits-all standards; and 12
WHEREAS, despite $276,000,000,000.00 in one—time spending for 13
COVID—19 recovery efforts, and the Department of Education 14
spending $268,000,000,000.00 in the 2024 fiscal year, gaps in 15
meeting educational needs continue to cause our students to 16
suffer; and 17
S. R. No. 100 *SS26/R1637* ~ OFFICIAL ~
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WHEREAS, student reading scores have been on a decline since 18
2019. In 2024, it was found that about 40% of 4th grade students 19
are working below a basic reading level based on national 20
standards, which is the largest percentage since 2002. This same 21
report found that about one-third of 8th grade students failed to 22
meet national reading benchmarks, which is the largest percentage 23
ever; and 24
WHEREAS, states and local communities possess unique 25
knowledge of their students' educational needs and are best 26
positioned to develop the curriculum and policies that reflect 27
their values and priorities. With over 440,000 students enrolled 28
in Mississippi K-12 public schools, we have a responsibility to 29
make sure our students are being set up for success; and 30
WHEREAS, President Trump has publicly expressed a desire to 31
eliminate the Department of Education, and to rightfully put the 32
states back in full control of education; and 33
WHEREAS, the elimination of the Department of Education is 34
not only consistent with the spirit of the Tenth Amendment to the 35
United States Constitution, but it could also help facilitate 36
taxpayer dollars being spent more efficiently and help students 37
achieve better outcomes: 38
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF 39
MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby support the devolution of power 40
from the United States Department of Education to the states, and 41
S. R. No. 100 *SS26/R1637* ~ OFFICIAL ~
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ST: Support devolution of power of U.S.
Department of Education to the states.
we urge the United States Congress to fully cooperate with these 42
efforts. 43
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be transmitted 44
to the Secretary of the United States Department of Education and 45
to the members of the Mississippi Congressional delegation, and 46
made available to the Capitol Press Corps. 47