Urging the Congress of the United States to fully cooperate with Federal efforts to eliminate the United States Department of Education, reaffirming Pennsylvania's sovereign authority over its educational system and recognizing the need for State-led education solutions to improve outcomes for Pennsylvania students.
Summary
Senate Resolution 68 is a nonbinding resolution urging Congress to cooperate with federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and to return education authority to the states. The resolution argues that education is primarily a state responsibility under the Tenth Amendment and Pennsylvania’s constitution, and it frames federal oversight as ineffective and overly restrictive. It cites national and Pennsylvania student performance data, as well as the amount of federal education-related funding Pennsylvania receives, to support the case that state and local leaders should have greater control over education policy.
The resolution also calls on the General Assembly and Governor to prepare for a transition in which Pennsylvania would reallocate federal education funds and strengthen state-led initiatives. It specifically references priorities such as addressing teacher shortages, expanding career and technical education, improving school safety, and increasing accountability and innovation. The measure does not change statutory law directly, but it expresses the Senate’s position and urges future planning for a possible shift in federal-state education responsibilities.
Impact
SR68 would not amend Pennsylvania statutes or create enforceable legal obligations; instead, it functions as a legislative statement of policy and intent. Its practical impact is to signal support for dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, encourage state planning for a potential transfer of authority, and frame Pennsylvania’s education system as one that should rely more heavily on state and local control. If acted upon, the resolution could influence future state budgeting, administrative planning, and education policy discussions, especially regarding federal grant funding and compliance requirements.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment in the resolution is strongly supportive of reducing federal involvement in education and optimistic about state-led reform. The bill presents federal education policy as ineffective and portrays the return of authority to Pennsylvania as a positive step toward better student outcomes. No committee debate or recorded votes were provided, so the available record reflects only the resolution’s affirmative, pro-state-control framing rather than any documented opposition or amendment activity.
Contention
The main point of contention is the resolution’s call to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education and its criticism of federal education oversight. Supporters appear to view federal mandates as burdensome and ineffective, while likely opponents would argue that federal funding and oversight help protect access, equity, and services for students, including those with disabilities and low-income students. The resolution also raises practical concerns about how Pennsylvania would replace or reallocate substantial federal funding if federal authority were reduced, though no formal debate transcript is available to show how those concerns were discussed.
Urging the Congress of the United States to fully cooperate with Federal efforts to eliminate the United States Department of Education, reaffirming Pennsylvania's sovereign authority over its educational system and recognizing the need for State-led education solutions to improve outcomes for Pennsylvania students.
Concurrent Resolution; supporting the elimination of the United States Department of Education; urging the United States Congress to fully cooperate with such efforts.
States findings of the Legislature, supports federal efforts to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, and urges Congress to fully cooperate with these efforts.
A resolution to support the devolution of power from the United States Department of Education to the states and to urge the United States Congress to fully cooperate with these efforts.
Urging the United States Congress to suspend any and all efforts to pass Federal legislation that would impose a moratorium on state-level artificial intelligence regulation; recognizing the potential benefits along with the risks of misuse and systemic harm of artificial intelligence; acknowledging the importance of state regulation of such technologies; and reaffirming the Pennsylvania General Assembly's sovereign authority to legislate for the protection of Pennsylvanians.
Providing for the Pennsylvania Amber Alert System, the Missing Endangered Person Advisory System and the Green Alert System and for duties of the Pennsylvania State Police; assessing costs; providing for immunity and penalties; and making a repeal.
Directing the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a study and establish an advisory committee to determine the impact on Pennsylvania taxpayers of Pennsylvania State Police full or partial police services for municipalities that do not maintain full police coverage.
Authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority certain lands situate in the City of Harrisburg, Dauphin County; authorizing the transfer of an easement interest in lands for a portion of the Project 70 lands owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, known as Lake Winola Access, in Overfield Township, Wyoming County, to the Department of Transportation; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, to convey to Tioga County a tract of land, and to accept a tract of land from Tioga County, both tracts being located in Charleston Township, Tioga County; and authorizing the Department of General Services, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with the approval of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Governor, to grant and convey to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, solely for the use of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, a parcel in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, in exchange for a tract partly in Nesquehoning Borough and partly in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, to be conveyed to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting by and through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and added to Lehigh Gorge State Park.