Congresswoman Lee Announces Nevada Education Advocate, Parent of Child with Autism as Guest to Presidential Address to Congress

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03) announced Nevada education advocate Michelle Alejandra Booth as her guest to President Trump’s 2025 Address to Congress. Booth is a first-generation Latina, spouse of an active-duty U.S. Airman, and mother of three children—one of whom was diagnosed with autism. 

President Trump and DOGE head Elon Musk are set on dismantling the Department of Education and have already implemented federal education cuts. President Trump’s nominee for Department of Education, Secretary Linda McMahon, also agrees with his plan to abolish the Education Department. The Senate is voting on her confirmation today.  

Education cuts like this would devastate special education programs in Nevada. Nevada received $97.2 million in federal investments for special education in FY24, affecting 67,252 students statewide and 43,203 students in Clark County.  

Booth is the Communications Director for Educate Nevada Now, a nonpartisan education policy organization that works to ensure all children have access to a fair, equitable, and high-quality education.  

“President Trump’s next target is dismantling the Department of Education. That may sound like a cute idea, but the Department provides essential services for children with disabilities. Families like Michelle’s will bear the brunt of these cuts,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “I'll be paying close attention to what the President doesn't say in his address, which is how kids with disabilities will suffer without special education programs while billionaires get tax breaks.” 

“My son was diagnosed with autism, so this fight is personal to me. Federal cuts to K-12 public education funding would devastate students and families across Nevada, especially for children who rely on special education programs,” said Educate Nevada Now Communications Director Michelle Alejandra Booth. “Congresswoman Lee has dedicated her career to helping students succeed, and together, we will continue fighting for the resources needed to strengthen education in Nevada.” 

Congresswoman Lee has led bipartisan legislation in Congress to fully fund special education in Clark County schools. From her seat on the House Appropriations Committee, Lee has secured millions of federal investments for Nevada public schools. 

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