Trying to get answers on Palin's position on special needs

Soledad O'Brien tries to get to the truth about Palin's record on special needs children -- since Palin cut the special needs state budget by 62% for those kids. She doesn't get answers.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• sarah
• palin
• john
• mccain

[VanadiusRex]

Nicole Wallace says, "No one in this country should doubt anything that she says."

Well, Palin claims to have said "no thanks" to the Bridge to Nowhere, even though, in fact, she actually supported it.

And now she's promising to be a great friend in the White House to America's special-needs children, even though, as Governor, she slashed the Alaska special-needs program funding by 62%.

With friends like that, who needs enemies?

[Masenko]

This McCain advisor just avoids the question and launches into talking points. This always happens whenever the media confronts the McCain campaign about actual questions and issues.

[aboonski]

Because of Palin's stance on "special needs" I would NEVER vote for her! Why should taxpayers support another "special interest" and see their tax dollars go towards down syndrome parents - that's BULLSHIT! There's a thing called a "user fee" - basically, you have 'em, you PAY for 'em! You breed 'em - YOU feed 'em! Down syndrome is preventable by pregnancy termination which is legal right now and hopefully always will be.

[killacamtay]

theres no need to argue about this special need issue cause she isn't going to be anywhere near the white house unless its to stand outside the gate as a tourist.The cnn reporter was SMOKIN tho! i think we can all agree on that

[wmd66]

That is crap. Palin actually increased the funding for special needs. That is a FACT. She did NOT cut funding for special needs children. CNN doesnt have it's facts straight at all

[chevon1920]

Yes but she put her city in debt for a sports arena? Where are her priorities?

[kmsweeney]

as a republican woman i am insulted that anyone would want to put your faith in such a moron. She, or McCain has any idea how to deal with whats going on in our world. I feel like we're dealing with two more moron Bush's.

im ready for hope and change- more than depending on oil and war.

[nc2711]

Let's not lose sight here. At some point if you actually look at the budget you will be able to find some area in which Palin cut funding; fair enough, Palin and McCain are campaigning as budget hawks! To say "general funding was cut 62%" should be an applause line. My point is, she was NOT dishonest in her advocacy for special needs. She is running an efficient government and special needs children or otherwise disadvantaged folks are not being victimized.

[nc2711]

I am glad we have established that schooling was not cut nor special needs schooling. Now to deal with your claims of "medical, special programs for special needs, etc." Look at the Dept. of Health and Human Services Budget and note the INCREASE in total funds. Behavioral health, children's services, public assistance, etc., all increased. The ONLY decrease is in Dept. Support Services. These are mostly administration and facilities costs; thus, better funded services more with less overhead!

[jessicathompson1980]

The funding was cut all around...So schooling wasn't cut..but all around...medical, special programs for special needs kids..government programs for low income families....So in general funding was cut...62%.

[nc2711]

Jessica, please quote for me the numbers in detail. This is a direct quote from the 273 Education Funding Bill, Alaska's FY'09 Education Funding Legislation: "In FY09, the funding level will be approximately $49,320 per student, increasing to $61,380 in FY10, and $73,840 in FY11." This bill was prepared by Director of School Finance, Eddy Jeans, and signed by Palin in March 2008. I have provided a great deal of evidence where you are lacking. Please, less HAHAHA and more numbers.

[jessicathompson1980]

All ready did and it was cut!HAHAHAHAHAHAHA