Tester Holds Defense Department Accountable for Cutting Resources for Troops

Senator Calls on Pentagon to Restore Troops to Teachers Initiative

(Big Sandy, Mont.) – Senator Jon Tester is calling on the Pentagon to reinstate a critical initiative that helps military members transition into the teaching profession.

After hearing from Troops to Teachers staff that their federal funding had been cut off, Tester is demanding that Defense Secretary Ash Carter allow the initiative to access the resources they need to continue operating.

“Troops to Teachers works toward an important goal – helping military members transition into the teaching profession when they separate from the armed forces,” wrote Tester, a former teacher. “Not only does this initiative help veterans as they re-enter civilian life, it also helps our schools address teaching shortages. This work is especially impactful in states like ours that are home to high numbers of veterans and rural, under-resourced schools.”

Tester noted that the Department of Defense is reviewing the grant program but the review should not cut off important operational funding for service members. Without funding the Montana Troops to Teachers program is shutting down and losing office space, equipment and supplies.

You can read Tester’s letter to Secretary Carter HERE.