Congresswoman Dina Titus of Nevada thanked AFSA members for their advocacy, noting the recent re-release of federal education funding that had been delayed. “Congratulations to all of you for getting that funding released,” she said. “There is a lot of uncertainty in Washington, and they weren’t planning to release it if they hadn’t heard from folks like you. Your advocacy, your education—it really helped make that happen. That’s quite a victory.”
Titus, speaking during the AFSA PAC Luncheon at the Convention, welcomed the delegates to Nevada’s 1st District and highlighted the challenges facing the state, particularly in tourism and education funding. “Tourism is being hurt by the things going on in Washington with the Big, Bad, Beautiful Bill,” she said. “As tourism declines, unemployment rises, tax revenue shrinks, and funding for education is affected.” She noted that these cuts impact programs like Title I and Title IX, as well as essential services like food stamps and Medicaid, all of which affect children’s ability to learn.
She emphasized the connection between federal policy and local schools, particularly the shortage of teachers in Southern Nevada. “It takes a village, and you really are part of that village,” she said. “The main thing we need to do is repeal that Big Beautiful Bill.” She also raised concerns about reductions in solar power incentives, which could increase utility costs and affect school operations.
Titus spoke candidly about the current political climate, describing it as one of the most anti-intellectual periods in recent history. She criticized efforts to undermine educational standards, museums, and cultural institutions, stressing the importance of educators in preserving truth and factual information. “We’ve got to be sure that as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of this country, the whole story is told—not just what some want us to believe,” she said.
On mobilizing for elections, Titus encouraged AFSA members to stay engaged and informed. Responding to questions about midterm elections, she said, “We’ve got a year and a half to go until the elections. People get tired, but we have to make sure they aren’t complacent. It’s critical to keep the drumbeat going. We must stand up to what’s happening in Washington, call it out, and make sure people vote.”
She advised members to focus advocacy efforts on both moderate members of Congress and those in Republican districts, even if their own representatives are already supportive. “Sometimes it’s good to drop a note to say, ‘Thank you. Hang in there,’” she said. She also encouraged writing letters to local newspapers to influence public opinion and maintain pressure on policymakers.
Closing on a lighter note, Titus encouraged delegates to enjoy Nevada while they were in town. “Take a little time to drop a few nickels in the slot machines. And if you lose, don’t say, ‘I lost.’ Go home and say, ‘I was contributing to the education of children in Nevada.’”
