Betsy DeVos revealed a budget proposal for 2020 that has created much controversy due to a proposed cut of funding to the Special Olympics and a funding cut for after-school programs and summer programs for students coming from low-income families from the organization 21st Century Community Learning Center. There was also a cut of a grant program that gives textbooks, equipment and counseling services. This grant program, the Student Support and Academic Enrichment Program, also approves school safety efforts such as equipment and mental health services.
DeVos has defended her budget proposal. Going before a committee on Monday. DeVos claims that the Special Olympics is an organization that is funded by philanthropic efforts and has donated to the organization herself. Recently, DeVos has also posted via her Twitter page, a statement where she claims the Education Department is setting aside money for students with developmental disabilities through giving money through the state, and providing grants for teachers of developmentally disabled children for materials. She continued that the Special Olympics is a private organization that does not need federal support. DeVos has posted via her Twitter feed more information, explaining that her proposal includes mentoring and residency programs for teachers, safety program planning and techniques, Title I grants, Impact aid for federally connected children, IDEA formula grants, expanding Pell Grant eligibility, simplifying student loan and loan repayment, and improving student aid programs.
In the end, budgets are about priorities. Mine are: students, parents, teachers, and taxpayers.
— Secretary Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVosED) March 26, 2019
In addition to cutting funding from the aforementioned programs, DeVos is interested in increasing spending in charter schools. With $60 million for her charter school program, DeVos also is offering the opportunity of a tax credit for individuals and organizations who donate money to scholarships of private schools and certain public school programs. The organization titled, Education Freedom Scholarships, allows donors to receive a dollar for dollar tax credit for exchanging their gifts. The biggest criticism of the Education Freedom Scholarship is that the scholarship majorly benefits private and charter schools, giving limited action to public schools, such as providing transportation to a better school than a local one or an apprenticeship.
#EducationFreedom Scholarships can be applied to public school options, such as apprenticeships or transportation to a different public school. States have the opportunity to be really imaginative and serve the unique needs of their students.
— Secretary Betsy DeVos (@BetsyDeVosED) March 26, 2019
Kansas City Public Schools spend twice the amount per student than @officialSPS, our largest district in the state. Why? Transportation related to busing students to SEGREGATED charter schools. 47% of the entire KC white student population go to 7 charter schools. ??♀️
— ????? ???????? (@drjuliewilliams) March 27, 2019
Representative Nita Lowey of New York and chairwoman of the House of Appropriations Committee told DeVos at the hearing, “You’re trying to cut it again, completely ignoring the strong evidence that parents support this program and want more of it.” The representative was referencing the cut of 21st Century Community Center and other representatives spoke up about the cut to the Special Olympics. Representative Mark Pocan from Wisconsin told DeVos during the meeting that the cut will affect 272,000 kids that participate in the event.
It has been estimated that this proposed budget will not be passed, with even Republicans unsure of it being a good budget proposal. Yet, this bill exemplifies DeVos’ harmful perception on which educational institution deserves more money. Public schools are severely underfunded with a lack of resources that is horrifying. Special education and resources are a heavy price tag for families. This proposal would debilitate families and students who need these funds the most. Private and charter schools may have financial issues, yet on the most part they are being funded and supported pretty well. These are private institutions that support themselves and do not need federal aid. This bill proposal hopefully won’t pass, but if it does, many people will suffer and the already privileged will benefit.
