President should not balance budget on the backs of the disabled

When presidents propose a budget, difficult decisions have to be made. There isn’t money to fund every deserving program. But the budget proposed by President Donald Trump is a new low in presidential politics. Trump wants to spend more money on defense, while cutting some domestic programs. One target for cuts is, of all things, the Special Olympics. Trump proposed eliminating all $18 million in federal funding currently allocated to the Special Olympics. That is appalling. Special Olympics is a wonderful organization, the largest sports organization for people with intellectual and physical disabilities. Allowing athletes to compete in the games gives them a goal, and a sense of accomplishment. These young people need our support. They deserve our support. That is why hundreds of people plunged into the Mississippi River earlier this month, raising $90,000 for the Special Olympics program. It is why local police hold an event to raise money for the program each year. And it is why police across the state carry the torch to mark the start of the games. We shouldn’t be balancing the budget on the backs of the disabled. We should continue to support these athletes not just with private donations, but with federal support, as well.