Education and health care leaders joined union representatives on Tuesday outside a Newark public school to protest proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and education funding, warning that such reductions would disproportionately harm low-income students and children with disabilities in New Jersey.
The rally, held in response to potential budget cuts by the Trump administration, highlighted concerns over the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education and reductions in Medicaid funding. Advocates argued these changes would strip critical resources from schools and health services that serve vulnerable populations.
“The Trump administration calls this funding wasted taxpayer dollars — we call it life-sustaining,” said Debbie White, president of the Health Professionals and Allied Employees union. “Our children need us to speak out on their behalf. We’re calling on Congress to stop these cuts and on New Jersey legislators to protect our kids.”
Threats to Education Funding
New Jersey schools rely heavily on federal funding, including grants under Title I, II, III, and IV, as well as support from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Title I alone provides over $1 billion annually to the state, benefiting approximately 556,000 students from low-income families.
Hasani Council, president of the Newark Board of Education, emphasized the importance of federal dollars in supporting essential programs. “Federal funding plays a critical role in helping our most vulnerable students, including those with disabilities, and initiatives like school breakfast and lunch programs, which many children depend on for their first meal of the day,” he said.
Danielle Farrie, research director at the Education Law Center, outlined the wide range of programs at risk, including efforts to improve school safety, expand pre-kindergarten access, and support homeless and migrant students. “These programs are crucial for addressing the needs of our most underserved populations,” she said.
The Trump administration has also threatened to withhold Title I funding from school districts with diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. While specifics remain unclear, advocates worry this could further destabilize New Jersey’s education system.
Medicaid Cuts Could Harm Children’s Health
Medicaid cuts could have equally severe consequences, particularly for children with disabilities. Nearly 2 million New Jersey residents rely on Medicaid, including one in three children and one in three children with disabilities.
Jennifer Higgins, president of the American Federation of Teachers New Jersey, stressed the importance of school-based Medicaid programs. “For many children, these programs are a lifeline, providing access to critical health care and services they can’t get elsewhere,” she said.
Calls for Action
Advocates urged Congress to reject the proposed cuts and called on New Jersey lawmakers to take action to protect federal funding for education and health care. “Our children deserve better,” said White. “We cannot allow these cuts to jeopardize their futures.”
As the debate over federal funding continues, New Jersey’s education and health care leaders remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding resources for the state’s most vulnerable students.
