To the editor:

I am writing due to the cuts that will be hitting us as a result of sequestration. I am especially concerned about the cuts to special education.

I am a special educator in the Hampton Roads area and have been working with students with disabilities for the last 14 years. The federal government mandates services to our special needs children under IDEA. This is federal law. It is currently underfunded, and now Congress is cutting more.

I would like to remind Congress that we can’t balance the federal budget and reduce the deficit on the backs of our children, especially our most disadvantaged children.

Please ask Congress to take a balanced approach by making strategic cuts combined with closing tax loopholes.

Let’s put aside differences and take this opportunity to make smart choices for our economy, our country and especially our children.

Dorothy Waddell

Suffolk