State schools chief pans plan to cut Special Olympics funds

Indiana’s schools chief panned a proposal to eliminate federal funding for the Special Olympics before President Donald Trump reversed the plan.

Schools Superintendent Jennifer McCormick issued a statement Thursday morning saying she was disappointed in the plan to erase $17.6 million in federal funding that comprises about 10 percent of the group’s overall revenue.

Trump later told reporters at the White House, “I’ve overridden my people for funding the Special Olympics.”

McCormick’s statement said, “The Special Olympics program goes beyond serving people with special needs. It exists as a national institution which showcases a spirit of inclusivity and respect across generations of Americans. The Special Olympics is a program worthy of our commitment and investment.”

Most Special Olympics funding comes from individual and corporate contributions and other fundraising efforts.