Trump’s Department of Education cuts terrify Sacramento area students | Opinion
Afraid of what’s to come
“Trump’s education funding freeze may lead to CA state worker layoffs, agency warns,” (sacbee.com, July 16)
I am a rising senior attending Folsom High School this fall, and I’ve been concerned about the recent developments in President Donald Trump’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education.
The Supreme Court has allowed mass layoffs in the department to continue. I feel vulnerable, and I am afraid of what is to come.
This will affect me and millions like me by reducing funding for schools, forcing them to shut down crucial programs, heightening inequality between districts and decreasing the availability of student loans.
I will not be able to attend college and achieve my full potential without the help of serious financial aid. I am afraid. Please fight back against this decision and protect students!
Hana Haque
Folsom
Financial aid concerns
“Sacramento CA schools brace for Education Department cuts,” (sacbee.com, March 14)
As a local high school student, I am concerned about the recent decision by the Supreme Court to allow mass firings at the Department of Education, enabling the Trump administration to dismantle this critical department further.
It will most likely become immensely more difficult for students to get a college education. Many of my peers are concerned about the cost of attending college and depend on federal financial aid to attend.
We must protect the Department of Education.
Abigail Muller
Lincoln
Mourning magnificent oaks
“These insects are endangering Sacramento’s beloved oaks. Here’s what you can do,” (sacbee.com, July 22)
On July 21, four of the magnificent old oaks in the Ray and Judy Tretheway Oak Preserve were posted for removal. During the mandated 15-day posting notice for removal, we encourage those who love the trees to come and pay their respects — to mourn not only these four trees, but also for all the environmental losses that are accumulating in our hearts.
Pay your respects to these trees, which have blessed our community for nearly 200 years.
Judy Tretheway
Sacramento
Delaying progress
“California senator pauses bill on homelessness agency,” (sacbee.com, July 16)
Sen. Angelique Ashby’s two-year “legislative limbo” looks like another opportunity for numerous agencies and elected officials to continue finger-pointing and squabbling over an issue that has proven beyond their ability to address. By delaying further action on this bill, Ashby has given all the key players two more years to delay progress.
Like a frustrated parent driving a carload of misbehaving kids to the amusement park, Ashby is giving them “one more chance” before she pulls the car over. With one official already questioning the legality of the legislation, we can see where we are now — and where we’ll be in two years.
Bill Motmans
Sacramento
Frustrating planning
“Sacramento airport is closing more than 800 parking spaces. Here’s when and why,” (sacbee.com, July 17)
Seriously? The airport closed the hourly lot, which makes parking more difficult. Now, they are going to install technology to assist with finding spots in the garage, but each floor will be closed for 45 days to install that technology.
Does anyone planning this actually drive and park at the Sacramento airport? Ugh!
Jenifer McDonald
Carmichael