Update: Congressman Seth Magaziner In The News! March 12, 2025
Statements From The Office of Congressman Seth Magaziner
Magaziner’s Statement on Mass Layoffs at Department of Education
Today, U.S. Rep. Seth Magaziner (RI-02) released the following statement after the Department of Education announced plans to lay off thousands of employees, a step toward President Trump’s broader effort to dismantle the agency:
“I am concerned that Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s plan to gut the Department of Education will negatively impact Rhode Island children and imperil funding for local school districts.
The Trump administration’s quest to find money to pay for tax cuts for billionaires should not include cuts to education.”
U.S. Department of Education Initiates Reduction in Force
Press Release:
As part of the Department of Education’s final mission, the Department today initiated a reduction in force (RIF) impacting nearly 50% of the Department’s workforce. Impacted Department staff will be placed on administrative leave beginning Friday, March 21st.
“Today’s reduction in force reflects the Department of Education’s commitment to efficiency, accountability, and ensuring that resources are directed where they matter most: to students, parents, and teachers,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “I appreciate the work of the dedicated public servants and their contributions to the Department. This is a significant step toward restoring the greatness of the United States education system.”
The Department of Education will continue to deliver on all statutory programs that fall under the agency’s purview, including formula funding, student loans, Pell Grants, funding for special needs students, and competitive grantmaking.
All divisions within the Department are impacted by the reduction, with some divisions requiring significant reorganization to better serve students, parents, educators, and taxpayers.
Background
When President Trump was inaugurated, the Department’s workforce stood at 4,133 workers. After today’s actions, the Department’s workforce will total roughly 2,183 workers. Included in the reduction in force are nearly 600 employees who accepted voluntary resignation opportunities and retirement over the last seven weeks, including:
- 259 employees accepted the Deferred Resignation Program
- 313 employees accepted the Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment
Remaining employees impacted by the reduction in force will be placed on administrative leave beginning next Friday, March 21. Pursuant to regulatory requirements and the Department’s collective bargaining agreement, all impacted employees will receive full pay and benefits until June 9th, as well as substantial severance pay or retirement benefits based upon their length of service.
Magaziner Named Vice Chair of Congressional Labor Caucus
Will Advocate for Working People as co-Lead of Building Trades Task Force
Today, Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) announced he has been named Vice Chair of the Congressional Labor Caucus and will co-lead the Caucus’ new Building Trades Task Force for the 119th Congress. These roles will allow Magaziner to continue to champion working Rhode Islanders, including the building trades – a backbone of the state’s economy and a source of good-paying union jobs.
“My top priority in Congress is to fight for the working people of Rhode Island. I’m honored to serve as Vice Chair of the Labor Caucus and to co-lead this task force to better support Rhode Island’s laborers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and other skilled tradespeople,” said Magaziner. “Now more than ever, we must stand up for workers—protecting their right to organize, fighting for higher wages, safer job sites, and a better quality of life for all Rhode Islanders.”
The Building Trades Task Force is one of five industry-focused groups within the Labor Caucus aimed at identifying and developing policy solutions to advance the labor movement. Magaziner will co-lead the Building Trades Task Force alongside Representative Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) to amplify the voices of local skilled trades union members who build and maintain our nation’s infrastructure.
The Congressional Labor Caucus includes over 100 Members and works closely with labor unions and other advocacy organizations to advance labor priorities in Congress.
