The number of students who have special needs in Minnesota is growing and the funding system to educate them needs to be repaired.

Each student with special needs has an individual education plan (IEP) that by law must be funded. All children including those with special needs have an equal right to an education as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. They also have a right to the same funding as all children.

The problem comes when the cost of mandated individualized programs for special needs children is greater than the state and federal funds provided. Local school districts then by law must pick up the extra cost from their general funds, causing school boards to cut funds and opportunities for all students.

In 1967 Congress passed a law requiring school districts to have an individual plan for each learning disabled child and promised to provide 40 percent of the funding.

The state of Minnesota also is expected to provide funds to educate these children. At no time was it suggested that local school districts would have to fund what the federal and state governments refused to provide.

Look at what’s happened in Minnesota alone.

According to the Minnesota Department of Education, in 2012 it cost $1.8 billion to fund these individual plans. The state and federal government covered $1.2 billion forcing local school districts to bolster special education funding by almost $600 million from their general operating funds.

Had the federal and state governments paid what was promised— another $450 million — local school districts would have had to pay only $150 million more last year.

Obviously this system is broken. There has been no action by either the federal or state governments to close the funding gap that compels the diversion of local school district funds from programs for all to the cost of mandated IEPs.

The federal government is content with the underfunded status quo. Gov. Mark Dayton had budgeted an extra $125 million for special education. State legislators would rather spread any new funding to their local districts, rather than give more to districts that educate many of the disabled learners.

A leading advocate for children with learning disabilities contends that a local school district’s subsidy of the funding gap is part of the community’s responsibility to educate all children.  She notes that students with special needs also lose opportunities when districts cut operating budgets.

In a survey taken by ECM education columnist Joe Nathan, 40 Minnesota school superintendents said their number one priority for the federal government is full funding of special education.

We favor a concerted effort to have the federal and state governments live up to their commitments, because after all they are the ones who mandate that these IEPs be funded.

Until the people rise up and demand that the federal and state governments live up to their promises, under-funding will continue and students who have no IEPs will continue to feel the loss of educational opportunities they deserve.

—An opinion of the ECM Publishers Editorial Board. The Isanti County News is a part of ECM Publishers, Inc.

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We need the Isanti Community Center

Dear Editor:

If we get rid of the Isanti Community Center, we would be getting rid of one of the best, and not to mention, one of the most inexpensive places to hold celebrations and community events. I’ve grown up with the center. It has been a big part of my life from birthday parties, to fire department events, and scouting events. While writing this, I have been thinking about all the things that would change if the community center should not be there anymore. I have even helped improve the appearance of the building by assisting in one of my fellow Scouts’ Eagle Scouts project. The Isanti Community Center is a part if our past, present and hopefully our future.

Jeremy Melland

We need to lower the working age

Dear Editor:

When you were in high school did you have a job? Well I am in high school and a lot of freshmen and sophomores do not have jobs simply because you have to be 16 to get a job. By lowering the working age, it will get kids away from asking their parents for money.

Some people might think that lowering the age is not a good thing because how will the kids get to work. But I think that they could ride their bike to work, or get a ride from someone else. That way the kid can get money to make a down payment on a car, or if they have a car they can pay for gas. This shows why I think we need to lower the working age.

David Knutson

We need to raise the minimum wage

Dear Editor:

Would you want to be living on minimum wage? My guess is that you would not want be living on minimum wage, but some families are having to, because it is their only way to get money. I feel bad for the people who work their entire lives and only get a portion of what they want and need. What I want to do is help people in need because it is hard to live on minimum wage.

My opinion is that the government should raise minimum wage so that people can live healthier lives and get a break every once in a while. Because minimum wage is so low that people are having a much harder time through this time of crisis in our economy. I hope that people should make a movement and stop deliberating the U.S.

Tim Englund

Stop using your cell phone while driving

Dear Editor:

The top cause for car accidents are distracted drivers. The thing that distracts drivers the most is their cell phones. Being distracted while driving is not only dangerous for you, but also for anyone else in a vehicle traveling near you. Some people may think that they can be careful and cautious while using their phone and driving, but you should always have your full attention focused on the road. If you have an important call to answer or text to reply to, just pull over and then answer it. Stopping for a minute instead of crashing is definitely worth it. Thanks for reading. I hope this has persuaded you to try and not use your phone while driving.

Brianna Beise

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We want to extend a huge thank you for the support received for the Jane Anderson benefit. The generosity of the community is very much appreciated. The St. Francis Middle School staff, where Jane taught for 35 years, donated fabulous items for the silent auction, as well as many local businesses and individuals. Turkeys, baked goods, decorations and more were also donated. Countless hours were spent on all aspects of the event, and a special thank you to those who prepared the turkey dinner.

Thank you to North Isanti Baptist Church for allowing us to use their facilities for the event. The “Elvis” family were very helpful and did a great job of entertaining. We raised just over $20,000 and it was used to help purchase a handicap van. Since Jane was hospitalized for seven months, the financial needs are still great. The Jane Anderson benefit fund is still open at Wells Fargo banks, for those interested in making a donation. Again, thanks to all.

The Benefit Committee
Jane and Roger Anderson and family

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On Wednesday, May 15, Braham Elementary grades 1-4 participated in their annual track and field day. The students took part in many different events that involved running, jumping, throwing and pulling. Some were relay events and others were individual.

To make this day possible for the students, it takes a lot of  hard work and cooperation by the teachers and volunteers. I would like to thank the Braham Parent’s Organization for donating the snack and organizing the break. I would also like to thank all of the Elementary Staff for their cooperation and hard work. Also thanks to all the families who came to cheer and support the students in their efforts.

Lastly a big thank you to the Braham High School students from the track, softball, baseball and golf teams for  taking the time to come  and  work with the elementary students on their big day. Everyone’s help was greatly appreciated.

Sue Pearson, Braham Elementary
Physical Education Instructor

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I’m writing to thank you again for printing my letter seeking information about my 1950s Braham High School teacher, Hildegarde Mortensen. It worked. The news was sad.

One of your readers e-mailed me to say Miss Mortensen had passed away in 1997. As I said when I thanked that dear lady, this was a huge re-learning of an old lesson: if I love or like someone, or want to thank them, or anything else, tell them now, because tomorrow may be too late.

The woman who responded is a former student of Miss M., and a former classmate of mine. I do see an “up” side to this, because now I’m in touch with her, your reader, Shirley. She even offered to send me a copy of Ms. Mortensen-Strom’s obituary. Again, thank you.

Bob Cain
Las Vegas

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Senator Nienow’s report regarding the passage of the marriage bill allowing same-sex marriage was somewhat disingenuous.

His implication that gay marriages are less amenable to raising children has not been born out in any reputable, peer-reviewed studies.

In fact, such studies indicate that children in same-sex households do about as well as in heterosexual households. Additionally, legalizing same-sex marriage may confer additional benefits, such as increased financial stability, increased durability and stability of the parent’s relationship, and increased social acceptance and support.

Religious freedom is protected in the new law. It is clearly stated that the law pertains to ‘civil marriage’ as defined by the laws of the state of Minnesota. Additionally, an exemption to  the  Minnesota Human Rights Acts allows churches and other religious organizations to refuse any action related to solemnization/celebration of marriage in violation of that church or association’s belief; in short, churches can’t be forced to be involved in a gay couples marriage.

It was disturbing to listen during the debate to Sen. Nienow’s advocacy of an amendment to the bill exempting corporations, business, and individuals from providing ‘services, accommodations, facilities, goods, or privileges that assist or promote the solemnization, formation, or celebration of any marriage, or that facilitate the development or preservation of any marriage, if that action would cause the person to violate the person’s sincerely held religious beliefs.’

While this language sounds innocuous, it is reminiscent of language cited in the past to refuse serving minorities. Such companies/individuals would be able to cite religious beliefs while denying service to gay couples, Muslim couples, interracial couples, or others they do not approve of. In effect, state-sanctioned discrimination.

The law in it’s current form, as just passed, will serve its purpose; to allow same-sex marriages while protecting churches and religious associations from being forced to endorse such unions against their will. Committed same-sex couples will be able to have the same benefits as other loving, committed couples.

Ken Vaselaar
Isanti

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Monday’s historic vote legally sanctioning same sex marriage comes on the heels of the unsuccessful vote last fall to prevent Minnesota Courts from redefining marriage as anything other than the union of one man and one woman. Despite telling Minnesotans that nothing would change if they voted “No” on that question last fall, changing the definition of marriage became a priority for the new DFL majorities in both the House and Senate. When the new law takes effect this summer, they will have succeeded in redefining marriage. I did not vote for the proposal.

Senator Sean Nienow

Marriage predates governmental definitions and regulation. Government did not create marriage. Marriage laws were crafted to acknowledge a socially beneficial structure, an institution (marriage) which existed and benefitted society through childbirth and a strong social structure for the rearing of those children- a stable environment with both a mother and father, which is well known to be the most beneficial environment for a child. Gay marriage advocates want to use the force of the state to change a pre-existing institution. If the state can change the definition of an institution it did not create then it can force people to do so as well.  There is a distinct potential the new law could adversely affect traditional families and certainly will come into conflict with certain individuals expression under First Amendment rights to adhere to religious beliefs.

Minnesota will have to sort out in the courts paternity and parental laws as well as the legal use of words like mother, father, husband and wife which will now be prohibited by law in various instances. Those terms will now be required by this law to change into something ”gender neutral.” I see fundamental societal challenges ahead as Minnesota grapples with a new law that seems to imply that to be a child’s mother has nothing to do with being female, and to be a child’s father has nothing to do with being male. This is our new law.

As acknowledged in the bill language attempting to protect some religious institutions, this law has an inherent conflict with some religious liberties. I addressed some of those concerns during Senate debate, and I highlighted the fact (as acknowledged in a letter by renowned law professors) that there are some religious liberties protections for institutions and corporations in this new law but individual protection does not exist in the language. That is highly problematic, and I hope that particular flaw in the law will be addressed in the very near future.

Nienow was re-elected in November to the newly reconfigured Senate District 32, which includes most of Chisago and Isanti counties. Nienow welcomes comments and questions and can be reached by telephone at (651) 296-5419, by mail at 105 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155, or via e-mail at sen.sean.nienow@senate.mn.

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My name is Bob Cain. If you watched CNN during the 1980s and 1990s, you probably saw me at the anchor desk. I retired a few years ago after a long, gratifying career in radio and television news.

The sad truth, though, is that I never got around to thanking the person who put me on that path to the rest of my life. That person was Miss Mortenson, who taught English during my junior year at Braham High School. I had a huge crush on Miss Mortenson, and she was a good and inspiring teacher.

One day she had the class take turns reading out loud, and when I finished my reading she said, “Bob, you have a nice voice, you should be a radio announcer.” And I was off and running to the school library to check out a book, “Don Marshall, Radio Announcer,” and I never looked back. Not even long enough to thank Miss Mortenson for her guidance.

So here I am, a pretty old guy now, looking for my muse, to thank her. I realize the odds are against me finding her, but I have to try. I owe it to myself, and I certainly owe it to her. If anyone out there knows anything at all about (Hildegard? Hilda?) Mortenson, who taught English at Braham High in 1950-51, I would be tremendously grateful for your help.

For the record, I do not want to invade the privacy Miss Mortenson, only to contact her by phone, mail or email to thank her. Also, the ‘crush’ I mention was a schoolboy thing; I am old, married and a grandpa.

I can be reached at 702-431-3597 or via email at bobcain87@gmail.com

Bob Cain
Las Vegas

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On April 28, the community was treated to a special spring concert at Cambridge Lutheran Church, arranged by Arne Everson and featuring the East Central Children’s Chorus, directed by Shirley Geib, the Prime Time Singers, directed by Arne Everson, and the Celestial Handbells Choir, directed by Mary Kay O’Neill.

Ms. O’Neill also served as accompanist to the Children’s Chorus and Elaine Johnson served as accompanist to the Prime Time Singers. The quality of the music was exceptional, and our community is truly blessed by the sharing of such talent by all those participating in each of these choirs.

Best of all, the special benefit concert raised in excess of $1,400 for the Li’l Farm Children’s Home, which, through the hard work and dedication of Sisters Francette Malecha and Margaret Roozen, has provided vital foster care service for our community since 1995.

It is truly a credit to our community that a non-profit charitable entity such as Li’l Farm is supported and benefitted by the efforts of groups such as East Central Children’s Choir, the Prime Time Singers and the Celestial Handbells Choir, and the support of a large audience who contributed to the fundraising effort. Thank you to everyone who helped make this community event a resounding success.

Clark A. Joslin, Member
Li’l Farm Board of Directors

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The latest winners of the most preposterous statement contest must be those incumbent state legislators who “turned a $6.1 billion deficit into a $1.2 billion surplus.

Like many preposterous statements, there’s a bit of truth tucked into this gooey mess, but mostly it’s a high choleric lie.

First, consider the $6.1 billion shortfall. In November 2010, state budget forecasters estimated that if things stayed the same by June 30, 2013 the state would have a $6.1 billion shortfall.

Of course nothing ever stays the same, and as the noted economist John Kenneth Galbraith once said, “The only function of economic forecasting is to make astrology look respectful.”

So three months later, the same forecasters estimated the budget would be under water by a ‘mere’ $5 billion. According to the forecasters, most of the difference came from Federal changes to tax law and reduced Medicaid expenses. And since the state legislature was not even in session during this time, there was nothing they did, or did not do that affected that $1.1 billion change.

Then, the acrimonious 2011 legislative session began (ending in the state shutdown). After some negotiation, they whittled the number down to a $4 billion shortfall (the nugget of truth). So again, how did the legislature turn this shortfall into a surplus?

First, they told the school districts, “you know the IOU we gave you last year, and promised to make it up this year? Well not only are we reneging on that promise, we are going add another $780 million IOU to the pile.” Poof, say goodbye to $2.6 billion of the shortfall. Don’t try that strategy at home, the banks will repo your car, and foreclose on your house.

That left the last $1.4 billion. How did they mend that fence? By borrowing the money from the tobacco settlement, which has to be repaid (with interest) over the next 20 years.

So on to the $1.2 billion so-called surplus. In my world, surplus means ‘extra,’ more than I need. Well this ‘surplus’ is long gone. By law those dollars are committed to replenish the state’s cash flow and reserve accounts ( wrung dry during last year’s shenanigans) and making a token down payment ($200 million) on the $2.6 billion owed to the school districts.

So, what the incumbent legislators really should say is “turned a $5 billion deficit into a break-even proposition by reneging on our promise to fund education and borrowing the rest.” Unfortunately, that slogan might not fit on a lawn sign.

Tom Baumann
Isanti

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