Commentary

COMMENTARY: Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day; Why Fully Funding Special Education is Necessary

MILWAUKEE COURIER — This week Republican lawmakers met to discuss education funding for this biennium. According to news outlet Wispolitics.com, the GOP reached a deal to pump an additional $500 million into K-12 education, which includes a $97 million increase for special education. This falls extremely short of what was proposed in Governor Evers’ budget; Governor Evers’ budget proposal included a $600 million overall increase in education funding, including a $212.9 million increase to schools in Southeastern Wisconsin (where our largest school districts are located).

Published

6 years ago

May 29, 2019

Oakland Post

By LaKeshia Myers

This week Republican lawmakers met to discuss education funding for this biennium. According to news outlet Wispolitics.com, the GOP reached a deal to pump an additional $500 million into K-12 education, which includes a $97 million increase for special education. This falls extremely short of what was proposed in Governor Evers’ budget; Governor Evers’ budget proposal included a $600 million overall increase in education funding, including a $212.9 million increase to schools in Southeastern Wisconsin (where our largest school districts are located).

The governor’s budget also calls for an increase in funding and categorical aid, increasing the special education reimbursement rate from twenty-five percent to sixty percent by 2021.

Additional measures include increasing the reimbursement rate for high-cost special education from 90 percent to 100 percent and converts high-cost special education aid from a sum

certain to a sum sufficient appropriation, and $7 million over the biennium in additional funding for special education transition readiness grants. These increases are necessary due to the services needed to educate students with special needs.

As a former special educator, I understand what it takes to educate a student with special needs. I also realize the term “special education” is often met with a negative connotation and most people do not understand what services can be involved when a student has an identified disability. Students who have identified needs may require additional academic service aids to help them be successful in school for example, students with writing disabilities, may need speech-to-text aids that will allow them to submit written assignments.

While a student who has a more severe physical disability may need a dedicated aid to be with them throughout the school day. Each child is different and schools must work to meet the goals outlined in the student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP); this is not a suggestion—it is federal law. But if school districts continue to get less and less funding this is becoming increasingly more difficult.

It is extremely disturbing to me that Republican legislators continue to say the governor’s education plan is too costly. I wonder why this level of fiscal conservatism was not shown when the Foxconn deal was scribbled on a slip of paper and they allowed $3 billion of Wisconsin taxpayer money to be given away to a Chinese company that has failed to produce a plan of action or a significant amount of jobs?

Or why Senator Luther Olsen, co-chair of the Blue-Ribbon Commission on School Funding, and Joint Finance member would say, “If he [Governor Evers] vetoes it, who knows when we’re going to get to a conclusion, and they need to get their books in order for this next year…they want certainty.” This is nothing more than a power play and an axiomatic act of taking Governor Evers “out to the woodshed”.

But look at who gets hurt in the process, Wisconsin students. Under this “compromise” Wisconsin school districts are still left behind. Budget cuts are still a reality, school districts may be forced to close schools, teachers and paraprofessionals may be given pink slips, and classrooms will continue to swell.

Our kids deserve the best. Our schools need investment and consistent funding. The people of Wisconsin overwhelmingly want to see changes to how our schools are funded. 73% of Wisconsinites across party lines support an increase in special education funding, including 62% of Republicans.

Governor Evers’ budget makes sure that school districts can provide the needed resources to special education students while taking the burden off of local property taxpayers.

I represent the state’s largest school district (Milwaukee Public Schools) as well as the 13th largest district (Wauwatosa) and the needs are similar in both districts. Our children (and our school districts) need an increase in special education funding which has been frozen for over a decade. Both districts would like to be fully funded, have the resources necessary to offer all students quality academic programming, and to have enough professional staff so that classes can be at a manageable number.

Failure to address the issue of special education funding in the budget is not an option. Every student, regardless of zip code or level of need, has the right to a quality public education. Our children deserve the best and it is our responsibility as legislators to ensure they get it. Every child, every chance, every day.

This article originally appeared in the Milwaukee Courier.

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Activism

‘Donald Trump Is Not a God:’ Rep. Bennie Thompson Blasts Trump’s Call to Jail Him

“Donald Trump is not a god,” U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., told The Grio during a recent interview, reacting to Trump’s unsupported claims that the congressman, along with other committee members like vice chair and former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, destroyed evidence throughout the investigation.

Published

3 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Congressman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss. Courtesy photo.

By Post Staff

U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., said he not intimidated by President-elect Donald Trump, who, during an interview on “Meet the Press,” called for the congressman to be jailed for his role as chairman of the special congressional committee investigating Trump’s role in the Jan. 6, 2021, mob attack on the U.S. Capitol.

“Donald Trump is not a god,” Thompson told The Grio during a recent interview, reacting to Trump’s unsupported claims that the congressman, along with other committee members like vice chair and former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, destroyed evidence throughout the investigation.

“He can’t prove it, nor has there been any other proof offered, which tells me that he really doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” said the 76-year-old lawmaker, who maintained that he and the bipartisan Jan. 6 Select Committee – which referred Trump for criminal prosecution – were exercising their constitutional and legislative duties.

“When someone disagrees with you, that doesn’t make it illegal; that doesn’t even make it wrong,” Thompson said, “The greatness of this country is that everyone can have their own opinion about any subject, and so for an incoming president who disagrees with the work of Congress to say ‘because I disagree, I want them jailed,’ is absolutely unbelievable.”

When asked by The Grio if he is concerned about his physical safety amid continued public ridicule from Trump, whose supporters have already proven to be violent, Thompson said, “I think every member of Congress here has to have some degree of concern, because you just never know.”

This story is based on a report from The Grio.

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Activism

City of Oakland Celebrates Reopening of Main Library

“Libraries are such critical facilities for all Oaklanders, whether it’s children coming to story-time, adults reading the newspapers or borrowing the latest novels, and people engaging with a range of services and programs that the library hosts,” said Council President and District 2 Councilmember Nikki Fortunato Bas. “Such library services and programs are only possible when the facility’s electricity, heating, roof, and lighting are fixed and running efficiently. I’m proud to join this re-opening of our Main Public Library.”

Published

3 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

Left to Right- Jamie Turbak, Director of Library Services, LaTonda Simmons, Assistant City Administrator, Nikki Bas, President Oakland City Council, Shen Thao, Mayor of Oakland, Carroll Fife, Oakland City Councilmember District 3, Harold Duffey, Assistant City Administrator, Sean Maher, Projects Coordinator. Photo by Kevin Hicks.

The branch had been closed since May for critical infrastructure upgrades

Special to the Post

The City of Oakland leadership and community partners gathered to celebrate the reopening of the Main Library after completion of critical infrastructure upgrades to enhance the library’s facilities and provide a better experience for patrons.

Renovations include new roof installation, skylight repair, critical electrical system upgrades, new boiler control system installation, auditorium heating and cooling system installation, and improvements to lighting, flooring and ceilings throughout the building.

“This is truly something to celebrate, the reopening of our wonderful Main Library! I congratulate the staff and our partners for this important project to make the Main Library a more comfortable place for everyone for years to come, said Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. “Thank you to Oakland voters and the California State Library for making these crucial improvements possible.”

“Public libraries are a wonderful resource for our residents, offering a safe space for learning and being,” said District 3 Councilmember Carroll Fife. “It is critical to improve and modernize our libraries so more members of our community can utilize and enjoy them. I’m excited that the necessary renovations to the Main Library have been completed successfully and thank everyone involved, particularly the City team, who helped secured the necessary grant funds for this work.”

“I am proud of the City staff and project partners who kept this important project on schedule and under budget,” said Assistant City Administrator G. Harold Duffey. “The library is an incredibly important resource for our community members, and this project is an investment into the library’s future.”

“December 2nd was a momentous occasion for Oakland Public Library as we proudly reopened the doors of the Main Library following extensive infrastructure repairs,” said Director of Library Services Jamie Turbak. “Closing the Main Library for six months was no easy decision, as it serves as the central hub for our library system and is truly the heart of Oakland. Yet, this renovation was essential, representing more than just physical upgrades—it reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, welcoming space for everyone.”

The City Administrator Jestin Johnson also attended the press conference and signalled his support for the completion of the record-setting completion of the renovations. Gay Plair Cobb, a newly appointed Library Commissioner said the Library represents the soul and brains of our community.

The Oakland Public Library secured funding for these crititcal repairs through a variety of sources. The California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program awarded the Main Branch $4.2 million. To comply with the grant terms, the City of Oakland provided matching funds through Measures KK, as approved by the Oakland City Council in October 2023.

The Main Library will host an Open House to celebrate the reopening on February 22, 2025, 10 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

About the Oakland Public Library

The Oakland Public Library is a part of the City of Oakland in California and has been in existence since 1878. Locations include 16 neighborhood branches, a Main Library, a Second Start Adult Literacy Program, the Oakland Tool Lending Library, and the African American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO). The Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect, and grow. Oaklandlibrary.org

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Activism

A Student-Run Group Provides Critical Support Services to Underserved Residents

Those visiting The Suitcase Clinic can get legal advice, sign up for food assistance, receive housing resources, get medical help, or enjoy a hot, fresh meal. They can also get haircuts and foot washes from the student volunteers. Nilo Golchini, executive director of the clinic, said one of the goals for most of the students working there is helping bridge the gap of trust that exists between many unhoused people and the healthcare and social welfare systems.

Published

5 hours ago

December 18, 2024

Oakland Post

UC Berkeley Law Students help a clinic visitor with legal advice at their Tuesday night services. The Clinic offers a variety of resources, including medical, to those in the community who have little access to these services. Photo by Magaly Muñoz

Part One

By Magaly Muñoz

Every Tuesday evening, the dining hall of First Presbyterian Church fills up with dozens of people eating, laughing and moving from table to table, receiving much-needed services from UC Berkeley students – just a few blocks away from the university’s campus.

Individuals seeking support services can be found in this multi-stationed room on the south end of the church talking to law students, student case managers, or receiving medical attention in a corner by healthcare professionals.

This weekly event is hosted by Cal students through a volunteer-run program called The Suitcase Clinic.

The clinic, founded in 1989, was intended to offer free resources to underserved communities in Berkeley and surrounding cities. The majority of the clinic’s clientele are unhoused or low-income people looking for extra support.

Those visiting the clinic can get legal advice, sign up for food assistance, receive housing resources, get medical help, or enjoy a hot, fresh meal. They can also get haircuts and foot washes from the student volunteers.

Nilo Golchini, executive director of the clinic, said one of the goals for most of the students working there is helping bridge the gap of trust that exists between many unhoused people and the healthcare and social welfare systems.

During their tenure in the program, many of the students say they become strong advocates for homelessness rights.

Visitors of the Suitcase Clinic can receive haircuts and foot washing by student volunteers every Tuesday evening. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

“We’re also standing in solidarity with them. So, it’s not saying, ‘I’m going to help you, but I’m also going to stand with you,’” Golchini said.

Student volunteers get extensive training prior to working directly with clients. Those interested have to take a semester-long class to become versed in areas such as outreach, intersectionality, how to interact with unhoused people, how to sign people up for social services. and more.

Volunteers then get to pick from three different clinics: General, Women’s, or Youth and LGBTQ+.

The General Clinic is the most popular among visiting residents, while Women’s and Youth/LQBTQ+ have more specialized services for attendees.

The Women’s Clinic has many of the similar services to General, but also includes nail painting, childcare, and massages.

The Youth and LGBTQ+ Clinic offers a safe space for young people navigating living on the streets, with services that include housing referrals, wellness and recreation classes and employment resources.

Golchini explained that it’s important for them to keep these clinics separate because the different demographics experience poverty and homelessness differently than those who visit the General Clinic.

Suitcase Clinic student workers posing for a photo with a frequent clinic attendee. The Clinic is open to Berkeley unhoused and low-income residents who need medical or legal service, or a hot meal. Photo by Magaly Muñoz.

“We’re able to provide spaces where people can come in and feel safe and not feel like they’re constantly worried that something’s going to happen to them,” she said.

An outreach team also visits encampments every other Saturday in the Berkeley area to provide hygiene kits and encourage people to visit the in-person clinic, if possible.

However, Golchini said engagement has been low for some time now due to a recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court that allows cities to ban and cite people for sleeping on the streets.

She said a lot of their clientele got displaced to other cities over time, making it difficult to stay in contact with the services the Clinic was providing for them.

But that hasn’t slowed down the students at the Clinic, if anything, it has pushed them to do more for the community they serve.