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Michigan House adopts resolution supporting devolution of U.S. Department of Education functions to states
Summary
After extended debate, the Michigan House adopted House Resolution 55 urging the transfer of certain powers from the U.S. Department of Education to the states and calling on Congress to cooperate; proponents argued for local control while opponents warned of funding risks.
The Michigan House adopted House Resolution 55, a measure introduced by Representative Kelly that expresses support for devolving certain powers from the U.S. Department of Education to states and urges the U.S. Congress to cooperate with that effort. The resolution was adopted after extended floor debate featuring sharply divergent views on federal role and education funding.
Representative Kelly, sponsor of the resolution, framed the proposal as a needed restoration of local control over education, saying Michigan students “deserve a quality education that prepares them for lifelong success” and arguing that federal rules and bureaucracy have not produced desired outcomes. Supporters, including Representative Regas and Speaker Hall on the floor, said the change would return authority and flexibility to state and local officials and allow Michigan to set curricula and spending priorities that better serve students.
Opponents argued the resolution threatens federal supports and could imperil billions in federal education funding. Representative Weiss said the proposal was “a disservice to our kids, our teachers, and our entire education system,” and warned that dismantling the department “would put over $2,000,000,000 in federal funding that Michigan currently receives from the federal government for education in jeopardy.” Democrats pressed for a roll-call vote, and Representative Fitzgerald raised procedural points about germaneness during debate. The clerk reported that a record roll-call demand was not supported, and debate continued; the resolution was then adopted.
Why it matters: The resolution is a formal expression of the House's position on federal education policy and signals the chamber's support for shifting authority to states. While a resolution does not by itself change federal law, proponents said it signals policy intent and puts pressure on Congress and the presidential administration.
Process and next steps: The resolution passed the House. The resolution text calls on Congress and the executive branch to pursue devolution; any federal statutory or administrative changes would require action by Congress or the President.
