Our national budget reflects our values. Right now, our priorities are out of balance.

​

The United States spends approximately $850 billion annually on military and defense programs, while classrooms across America remain underfunded and our teachers are underpaid.

​

We can protect our national security without overspending on endless wars and bloated defense contracts. It is time to responsibly reduce excessive military spending and reinvest those dollars where they will strengthen America from within; in our schools and our children.

​

As an adjunct college professor, I have experienced firsthand what underfunding looks like. I have had to teach students without the proper equipment and resources they deserve. That is unacceptable in the wealthiest nation on Earth.

My sister is a public school teacher in New Jersey. She teaches students with special needs; despite not being certified in special education — because districts are stretched thin and short on qualified staff. Our educators are overworked, under-resourced, and expected to do the impossible.

​

If we responsibly reduce unnecessary military spending and redirect even a fraction of those funds, we could:

• Increase teacher salaries nationwide

• Hire and properly train special education teachers

• Modernize school facilities and classroom equipment

• Reduce class sizes

• Expand access to early childhood education

• Strengthen vocational and technical education programs

 

Strong schools are national security. An educated population is the foundation of economic growth, innovation, and democracy itself.

​

We must choose to invest in people, not perpetual war.