Photo via Special Olympics/Facebook
It's an issue that affects what happens in their own backyard, as Orlando is set to host the 2022 Special Olympics – an event that's expected to provide a $61 million surge to the local economy, according to a news release from the congressional members. The upcoming 50th anniversary games are set to become the largest humanitarian event in Florida history.
In a letter to DeVos, who comes from Amway Center/Orlando Magic royalty, the congressional members stated that they'd do whatever it takes to prevent the proposed cuts.
"The Special Olympics is dedicated to empowering people with intellectual disabilities, and the administration's proposal to de-fund its programs is callous and misguided," the members wrote, noting that the Special Olympics is the largest global sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities. "Congressional support for the Special Olympics has been longstanding, strong and bipartisan – and we intend to keep it that way."
Since the administration announced its decision to cut funding earlier this week, DeVos has stood firm on her 2020 budget proposal.
"Given our current budget realities, the federal government cannot fund every worthy program, particularly ones that enjoy robust support from private donations," DeVos said in statement Wednesday.
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