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Senator visits Michael Anderson Elementary School

  • Published
  • By Scott King
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD Air Force Base, Wash. --  U.S. Senator Patty Murray D-Wash., chair of the Senate Budget Committee, visited Michael Anderson Elementary School here Tuesday to meet with military families and school officials to discuss the effects of sequestration on school students and programs.

Murray heard directly from military families about how sequestration has already impacted them, specifically due to cuts to critical education and defense programs. She also discussed the ways the Senate Budget proposal would ensure that any cuts made will not come at the expense of military families and the communities.

"We have been watching our government lurch from crisis to crisis," Murray said. It doesn't have to be this way - we do have a debt and deficit problem, but we can manage it."

The families were passionate about the effects sequestration has or will have on their children.

"Sequestration will affect all military kids, especially special needs children like my child," said Melissa Griffin, who works on base. "Special Needs kids aren't like other kids in the sense they need more time and patience. Without proper budgeting and resources our kids will definitely suffer - I hope Senator Murray will take our message back to D.C., to stop the cuts on education."

School officials are also concerned about the sequestration impacting their district as a whole.

"These budget cuts are really unfair to the children of the people who are focused on the base mission," said Dr. Pam Veltri, Medical Lake School District superintendent.

Veltri explained to Murray that budget cuts could cost her district $485,000 this year alone thus impacting the level of services Michael Anderson could provide for base families. The school could potentially lose 10 percent of their operating budget directly impacting teachers and special programs.

Murray's visit was not all business, she also took the time to read her favorite children's book "King Bidgood's in the Bathtub" to a group of preschoolers.

Base leadership was glad Murray came out to meet with base families.

"I'm happy we have such dedicated and concerned elected officials," said Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "We are all concerned about the impacts of sequestration on our families and our children are our most crucial investment."

Editor's note: Michael Anderson Elementary School is assigned to the Medical Lake School District but is located on Fairchild.AFB.