I would abolish the federal Department of Education and very quickly. People don't realize that the federal Department of Education gives each state 11 cents out of every school dollar that every state spends. But it comes with 15 cents worth of strings attached.

The quote by Gary Johnson, "I would abolish the federal Department of Education and very quickly. People don't realize that the federal Department of Education gives each state 11 cents out of every school dollar that every state spends. But it comes with 15 cents worth of strings attached," expresses his criticism of federal involvement in education funding. Johnson, a former governor of New Mexico and a libertarian political figure, often advocated for limited government intervention. Here, he argues that the federal government provides relatively small financial support while imposing disproportionately large regulations and requirements on states.

Johnson’s statement highlights the perceived inefficiency and overreach of the federal education bureaucracy. While federal funds constitute only a minor portion of state education budgets, the accompanying strings—such as mandates, testing requirements, and compliance measures—can complicate local decision-making. He suggests that these conditions limit the autonomy of states to manage their schools according to local priorities and needs.

The quote reflects Johnson’s broader political philosophy of minimizing federal control and promoting state-level governance. He believes that education would be more effective if states and local communities had greater discretion over funding and policy, rather than adhering to federal mandates that may not align with local circumstances.

Originating from Johnson’s public statements and interviews during his presidential campaigns, the quote captures a key aspect of libertarian thought regarding the role of government. It illustrates his belief that smaller government intervention, paired with increased local control, can lead to more efficient, tailored, and accountable education systems.