2 weeks Ago By Sally Ockwig-Larson, Duluth
I am writing about three concerns. First, the abolishment of the U.S.
Department of Education could put many special-education students at risk. As a former special-education teacher in public schools, I am worried that even though President Donald Trump said services would not be affected, they could be. I don’t trust his word.
The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act guarantees these services. But legislation could be introduced to abolish the act because the cost to the federal government is too high. And the federal government has only paid up to around 20% to states for special-ed services.
This is personal for me, because I have one grandson who is on an individualized education program and one who has a 504 plan for accommodations that ensure equal access to education. Both have benefited from these services that have helped them succeed in public schools. ADVERTISEMENT My next concern is that Social Security and Medicare are at risk.
Many thousands of seniors receive these benefits. I do. Money was taken out of my paycheck to fund my Social Security.
It is my money, not the government's. If it is reduced or terminated by the Trump administration, many seniors will suffer. This includes people who voted for Trump.
How can they think it is OK to shaft people like this? Elon Musk should never have been given access to Social Security data. Lastly, I fear for transgender people in our community. I question why there is so much fear about people just trying to live their lives.
They are not hurting anyone. People can not like them, but they have a constitutional right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” as citizens of the United States. Sally Ockwig-Larson Duluth Email submissions to: letters@duluthnews.
com Include a full name, address and daytime phone number. Only names and hometowns will be published..
