East Central Reporter

Chris Miller, a representative for Illinois House District 101, said that President Trump is taking care of everything regarding school funding concerns in Illinois. This comment was made in a Facebook post on March 24.

"Nice try Pritzker, but Trump has everything in control," said Miller, State Representative, according to Facebook.

According to Miller's Facebook page, an article from Advantage News highlighted an executive order signed by President Donald J. Trump calling for the closure of the U.S. Department of Education. The article also covered concerns raised by Governor J.B. Pritzker, who warned that Illinois could lose more than $3 billion in funding for special education and other programs. On March 20, Pritzker emphasized that losing this funding would put both the state and schools in a dire situation. However, before signing the executive order, Trump dismissed those concerns, stating that closing the Department of Education would "probably" cut costs by half and make education "maybe many, many times better."

Screenshot of State Representative Chris MIller's March 24 Facebook post | State Representative Chris Miller's Facebook page

The Executive Order dated March 20 asserts that the main functions of the Department of Education can and should be returned to the states. It claims that closing the department would improve program implementation in higher education. Regarding student debt, it declares that the department is not a bank and its banking functions should be transferred to an entity better equipped to serve America’s students.

NBC 5 Chicago reported that the Department of Education does more than manage financial aid; it investigates and issues guidance on applying civil rights laws through its Office for Civil Rights. Instead of addressing issues for LGBTQ+ students and students of color, Trump's office has directed focus on antisemitism. The department also reviews federally recognized accrediting agencies for eligibility to receive federal student financial aid and administers funding programs like Title 1 for low-income schools and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The closure is currently being challenged in court by 21 attorneys general, including Illinois’ Kwame Raoul.

Miller has served in the Illinois State House of Representatives since his election in 2019. A native of Illinois, he operates as a third-generation cattle farmer and grain operator in Hindsboro. He holds an associate degree in agriculture from Lake Land College and a Bachelor of Science in Education.