Joni Ernst slams Biden’s Education Department with an ‘F’ grade due to low office utilization
Senator Joni Ernst Calls Out Department of Education’s Low Office Occupancy Rate
Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) is raising concerns about the Department of Education’s alarmingly low occupancy rate in Washington, D.C. This comes at a time when students are grappling with the largest learning loss in three decades due to pandemic-related school closures.
Ernst specifically highlighted the DOE’s office occupancy rate of only 17%, pointing to the National Assessment of Educational Progress’ findings that math and reading scores for 9-year-old students have significantly declined over the past two years.
“Biden’s Department of Education kept our kids out of the classroom – leading to historic learning loss,” Ernst said. “Now that students have returned to regular learning, the bureaucrats are forgetting to show up to work, and their report card shows they should receive an F.”
“It’s time for Biden’s bureaucrats to get back to class, or forfeit their expensive, unused office space,” she added.
Ernst is urging the federal government to take stronger action against remote work, citing information from the Government Accountability Office that reveals no government agency is occupying even half of its office space. She questions the lack of workers despite the end of the COVID pandemic and suggests that if offices remain empty, the government should consider getting rid of the costly space.
“COVID has been over for years, where are the workers?” Ernst questioned. “If we aren’t going to fill up, work within these agencies, then maybe we need to get rid of this space because it does cost a lot to rent these buildings in Washington, D.C., or own them.
“If we aren’t going to bring workers back, folks, let’s get rid of the space,” she added. “It’s costing our taxpayers a lot of money.”
Earlier this year, Ernst requested more information on the impact of telework on service delivery and response time, the cost of unused office space funded by taxpayers, and any adjustments made to location-based salaries for federal workers who have relocated and continue to work from home. She also sought information to gain a better understanding of work-site attendance across all agencies.
Following the senator’s inquiries, the General Services Administration announced plans to downsize 3.5 million square feet of federal building space, resulting in over $1 billion in savings for taxpayers.
According to estimates from the GAO, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Social Security Administration have the lowest occupancy rate, with just 7%.
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How does the Department of Education’s low office occupancy rate impact their ability to provide support and resources for students recovering from learning loss?
O work and prioritize our students’ education. It is unacceptable that while our children are struggling to catch up after a year of disrupted learning, the Department of Education is failing to fully occupy their offices and fulfill their duties.”
The Department of Education plays a critical role in shaping and safeguarding our nation’s education system. With the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, the agency’s presence and active engagement are more important than ever. Yet, the low office occupancy rate raises concerns about the commitment and dedication of its employees towards their duty of ensuring quality education for all American students.
It is worth noting that the issue of low office occupancy is not unique to the Department of Education. Many federal agencies have struggled to adjust to the transition from remote work to in-person operations. However, when it comes to the education sector, the impact of this low occupancy rate is especially significant. Students have already suffered a great deal due to school closures and the shift to virtual learning. Now, with a return to in-person instruction, it is crucial that the Department of Education provides the necessary support and resources to help students recover and make up for the learning loss they have experienced.
The decline in math and reading scores for 9-year-old students, as highlighted by Senator Ernst, further emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue. The National Assessment of Educational Progress’ findings clearly indicate that the pandemic has had a detrimental effect on the educational progress of our young learners. As they navigate the challenges of catching up, they need the assistance and guidance of dedicated educators and policymakers who are committed to their success.
Senator Ernst’s call for action is a reminder that the Department of Education should prioritize its mission to provide equal access to quality education. By fully occupying their offices and actively engaging in their responsibilities, the department can work towards mitigating the learning loss caused by the pandemic and ensuring that no student is left behind.
This issue also highlights the broader conversation surrounding the role of federal agencies in the post-pandemic recovery. As we work towards rebuilding our education system, it is essential that all government entities, including the Department of Education, are functioning at their highest capacity. Collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, as well as educational institutions and stakeholders, is key to addressing the challenges facing our students and laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient education system.
In conclusion, Senator Joni Ernst’s concerns about the Department of Education’s low office occupancy rate raise important questions about the agency’s commitment to its core mission. As students across the country strive to overcome the learning loss caused by the pandemic, it is crucial that the Department of Education fulfills its responsibilities and actively supports their recovery. This issue serves as a reminder of the significance of strong government engagement and collaboration in ensuring that all American students receive the quality education they deserve.
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