Protest at Congressman’s office for Department of Education

On Saturday, Feb. 8, protestors demonstrated in front of Congressman Andrew Garbarino’s (2nd district) office at Oak Street in Patchogue.

The Islip Democrats in Suffolk County organized the protest to have Garbarino “take a stand” against the current administration regarding the shuttering

of the Department of Education. Skyler Johnson, Chair of the Suffolk Young Democrats said, “Representatives like Andrew Garbarino and Nick Lalota do not try to disguise their priorities. They are loyal only to their king, Donald Trump. We will not stand for these attacks on our Democ- racy, especially this latest attack on public education. We will keep showing up until our represen- tatives remember their duty and defend our public schools from the MAGA agenda.”

Garrett Petersen Deputy Chair, Islip Democrats, said, “Article One of the Constitution says that Congress determines what programs we spend our tax dol- lars on, not Trump’s DOGE goon squad and Elon Musk. We’re simply asking Andrew Garbarino to do the job he was elected to do-if he doesn’t want it, then we can replace him.”

In response Garbarino said “I always appreciate hearing from my constituents about the issues that matter most to them. That’s why my team is always available to assist South Shore residents and ensure they get the support they need. My focus remains on delivering results for New York’s 2nd District and making sure Long Islanders have a strong voice in Washington.”