New Jersey politicos aren’t pleased with U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’s proposal to cut all federal funding for the Special Olympics.
“It’s sad, inexcusable & unacceptable to fill holes in a budget by cutting the #SpecialOlympics,” Senate President Steve Sweeney said on Twitter. “The loss of inclusive sports for people w disabilities would be devastating to countless athletes & families, my family included — shame on you @BetsyDeVosED.”
Sweeney’s daughter was born with a developmental disability. Since her birth, he’s championed funding for special education and similar programs.
DeVos’s proposed cuts would reduce the federal education budget by $7 billion. The cuts include the $18 million the federal government devotes to the special Olympics alongside smaller cuts to grants the federal government provides to fund state special education programs.
“@BetsyDeVosED – individuals with disabilities are not charity, they are people,” Sweeney tweeted. “@SpecialOlympics is dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training & competition and has a lifelong impact on everyone involved!”