Letter to the Hon. Betsy DeVos, Secretary of Education - Central Florida Congressional Delegation Denounces Trump Administration Over Proposed Elimination of Special Olympics Funding

Letter

Dear Secretary DeVos:

As Members of Congress representing Orlando, Florida, which is scheduled to host the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, we write to express our deep disappointment with the President's proposal to slash U.S. Department of Education support for Special Olympics programs from its current funding level of $17.5 million to zero in the coming fiscal year. The Special Olympics is dedicated to empowering people with intellectual disabilities, and the Administration's proposal to de-fund its programs is callous and misguided.

We will do everything within our power to prevent this cut from occurring. Congressional support for the Special Olympics has been longstanding, strong, and bipartisan--and we intend to keep it that way. We will also work with federal, state, and local officials to ensure that the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, which is slated to become the largest humanitarian event in Florida's history, is a resounding success for participants, their families, and our community.

The Special Olympics promotes equality and dignity for individuals with disabilities, enabling them to reach their full potential. We will fight to make sure the organization's noble work continues.

Sincerely,

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