The nation’s high court cleared the way this week for the Trump administration to move forward with mass layoffs at the U.S. Department of Education and a plan to outsource its work to other federal agencies.
Arizona schools chief Tom Horne says he welcomes the opportunity for the state to take on more responsibility.
"I feel like I can do a much better job than a federal department of education, and I have 600 people working for me who know Arizona schools backwards and forwards. Many of them have been doing it for many years," Horne said.
The Trump administration is looking to cut 1,400 jobs from the education department. Horne suggested that those affected by the layoffs are well positioned to help fill the ongoing K-12 teacher shortage.
How federal cuts impact Arizona
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Amid public sector and SNAP cuts along with higher gas prices and lessening affordability here, The Show checked in with Carla Vargas Jasa, president and CEO of Valley of the Sun United Way. -
The declines were felt across the Mountain West. In Idaho, SNAP participation fell nearly 8%. Nevada saw a drop of more than 14%. In Arizona, participation fell by nearly 34%. New Mexico saw a decrease of about 6%, while Wyoming dropped by more than 11%. -
Arizona has now dropped more than 450,000 people from the SNAP program since federal changes went into effect last July. That includes 196,000 children no longer receiving benefits. -
A report from a consumer advocacy organization warns that hundreds of hospitals across the country are at risk of closure or reduced services — including eight in Arizona. -
There’ve been efforts over the years in Arizona to transfer ownership — and control — of federal land to the state. Oftentimes, that’s due at least in part to lawmakers’ not being happy with federal plans for that land.
