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Margaret “Maggie” Williams' Subject Files
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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. report
Agency Liaison - Selected Casework (2 pages)
n.d.
b(6)
002a. letter
To President and Mrs. Clinton from constituent re: hardship (partial)
n.d.
b(6)
(2 pages)
002b. letter
To constituent from Joseph A. Mottola (partial) (2 pages)
11/04/93
b(6)
003a. letter
To Hillary Rodham Clinton from constituent re: hardship (partial, p.
08/09/93
b(6)
15) (1 page)
003b. letter
To constituent from Patricia J. Guard (partial) (6 pages)
08/27/93
b(6)
004a. letter
To constituent from Hillary Rodham Clinton (partial) (1 page)
11/24/93
b(6)
004b. letter
To Hillary from constituent re: hardship (partial) (2 pages)
n.d.
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Maggie Williams (Subject Files)
OA/Box Number: 4106
FOLDER TITLE:
Margaret A. Williams [Folder 4]
2013-0359-S
rv1422
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA|
b(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA|
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA|
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 8, 1993
Rachel Greenhaus
Rd2 Box 2563
Vergennes, Vermont 05491
Dear Rachel:
Thank you for writing to Mrs. Clinton. Although the
First Lady is always pleased to hear from young people, the
enormous amount of mail that she has received this year has
meant that she is not always able to respond to them as
promptly or as personally as she would prefer. I know she
would want me to let you know that she has not made an
announcement regarding peas. If she were to talk about
peas, however, she would tell you that she likes them as
much as you do.
Almost everyone has a favorite vegetable. Most people
prefer certain vegetables over others. Even if you have a
favorite, you should try a variety of vegetables so that
your diet can be healthy, varied and interesting.
Thank you again for sharing your comments with Mrs. Clinton
and for sending the lovely drawing illustrating your
letter.
Sincerely yours,
Alice J. Pushkar
Director of Correspondence
for the First Lady
Dear Mrs. Rodum Clinton,
I herd your anounsement
about peas on .t.Vo Me
and my Sister love peas!
My nom grows peas in
her garden. Sincereley,
a pea lover in vermo,
Peax
Rachel Greenhaus
RD a Box 2563
Vergennes, v.t. 05491
RF (phone # on reversc) whiting 1) up nJ. 08 75g
CHHS-AMS
Sept. 16, 1993
Dear Mrs. Clinton,
I've watched as many of your
appearances on T.V.a and look you
for what you are doing.
I have a very serious problem
that you're the only one d it could
think of who could solve
in Feb. and I put a deposit
l am going to be 80 years old
on a John Hancock insurance
policy for Long Term nursing
Care, If I don't take it before
beieligible to get it at
my 80 th birthday I will all. hot
This has been on my mind t
nerves for months now and I'm
the end of Sept.
supposed to pay the balance
my health at this time is
the Disetc. have been OK so I'm
efcellent and my reports from
accepted. my problem is they do notpay ins.
if medicare or your health this
does. In order. to get cover-
a age for life it will cost me
908- 350-4141 if anyone would leable to call me
$6000.00 anyear. Since hursing
homes eatry our money so fast
be better than 36,000or
that I felt 6 000.00 a year more would
would pay 100.00 a day
a year for this coverage. which They
leaves me with ce begamount
besides.
Since I have to take this
before my 80th birthday can
you I advise me what to who could do as
have no one advise
me.
d. made tapes ofy our appear
ances and admire you so very
smuch.
Love Ethel m. Becker
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. report
Agency Liaison - Selected Casework (2 pages)
n.d.
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Maggie Williams (Subject Files)
OA/Box Number: 4106
FOLDER TITLE:
Margaret A. Williams [Folder 4]
2013-0359-S
ry1422
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRAJ
b(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute ((a)(3) of the PRA|
an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
002a. letter
To President and Mrs. Clinton from constituent re: hardship (partial)
n.d.
b(6)
(2 pages)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Maggie Williams (Subject Files)
OA/Box Number: 4106
FOLDER TITLE:
Margaret A. Williams [Folder 4]
2013-0359-S
ry1422
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - 144 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
United
(b)(6)
(002a)
President mes Clinton,
2 have a question regarling
a situation that is very common.
I have raised 3 Children, and
my youngest (airl) has Rod 2
boys ) by different men not manied be
either. my husband and I have
Guardianspp of the two boys ages
345 a 2½ Our daughter has
recently married another boy, and
at times she wants the boy back
Some her maniag to this by, they
have moved 11 tomer, each Come
are
getting help with deposits food starps
10n
and etc. J hey have each had
Over 11 job opene, and have
time 18 MOS
purchased and lost 11 caw.
my pusbanl and V did not
tabe the boys away from her
we accepted her re-ponsible for
Chew sake We have a good frome
and sroude well for there Children
I here is a ahole lot more to
my story / but I dont know
of you well get Has letter,
02 if it will be something that
is of importance to you But
it is very important to me,
I also have a License Day
care is Haneson, we have
received grant from you me
Cleriton 3 lesses fa Oh Day
Care a I Chark you. In
my Dave care now there is
2 other Grandparent with
the same question and problem.
Is there anything to help
as to heye from goes back
to Cout and payory altorny fees
just to teep these grand childen
and gere them a good stable
hone with rep teaching
Values morals D responseablets'
Is there Rely & protection
=
for Grandpoorts to stop
irresponsiale Childen from hossiling
us. and hold then parental
rights over On head When Un
Can Openion they gave up
then neghts when they left
chen Children us the first place.
Please help I below the is
a problem more connor than you
can omagine We need place
of mind to We do not
want to horry detily about
protectin thees children
Help
(b)(6)
We are not mean people we
are just the of kids sunning
one then parent and in Our
setuation the hassel & freesliation
of just trying to get On with
on lives.
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
002b. letter
To constituent from Joseph A. Mottola (partial) (2 pages)
11/04/93
b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Maggie Williams (Subject Files)
OA/Box Number: 4106
FOLDER TITLE:
Margaret A. Williams [Folder 4]
2013-0359-S
ry1422
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA
b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRAJ
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information ((b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRAJ
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
NOV-24-1993 13:48 FROM ACYF HORN
TO
94562992 P.02
SUMAR
SERVICE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
/
ADMINISTRATION FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20447
(b)(6)
[0025]
Dear
(b)(6)
This is in response to your letter to President and Mrs. Clinton
regarding problems you are experiencing with your daughter around
the care of your grandchildren, for whom you are legal guardian.
Your family's living arrangement reflects a long standing
practice in this country of grandparents voluntarily caring for
their grandchildren in time of need. If it were not for caring
individuals like yourself, many of these children would end up in
the foster care system in the care of strangers.
In response to your request for assistance, we have identified
some resources that might be able to help you. An attorney can
help you to sort out your rights under the guardianship
agreement. The Ozark Legal Services Bureau in Harrison may be
able to provide legal advice to you free of charge. You should
contact Ms. Margaret Reger at the address below:
Ozark Legal Services Bureau
Post office Box 1613
213 W. Rush Street
Harrison, Arkansas 72601
(501) 741-2454
Many relative caregivers find support groups very helpful. While
we were unable to identify support groups in Boone County, we
were successful in finding a national organization in the State
of Michigan that provides support and guidance. ROCKING, Inc.
(Raising Our Children's Kids: An Intergenerational Network of
Grandparenting, Inc.) located in Niles, Michigan, can provide you
with information on how to begin a support group. ROCKING, Inc.
(brochure enclosed) is a confederation of grandparents and others
who provide emotional and practical support for all grandparents
and relative caregivers. For additional information, you should
contact Ms. Mary Fron at the address below:
Ms. Mary Fron
President
ROCKING, Inc.
P.O. Box 96
Niles, Michigan 49120
(616) 683-9038
NOV-04-1993 13:48 FROM ACYF HORN
TO
94562992 P.03
Page 2 -
(b)(6)
There is also some promising pending legislation in this area.
The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Assistance Act has been
proposed. This Act contains various provisions intended to
benefit grandparents raising their grandchildren. Among other
things, the Act would fund grandparent resource centers and amend
Title IV-E of the Social Security Act to require the Department
of Health and Human Services to develop model procedures for
States to use in notifying relatives prior to placement of a
child in foster care.
Finally, the enactment of the Administration's new Family
Preservation and Family Support Services legislation could have a
positive impact on relative caregivers' support needs in the
future. The major child welfare provisions in this legislation
are: (1) Community-based family support programs that work with
families before a crisis occurs to enhance child development and
increase family stability; and (2) Family preservation programs
that serve families in crisis or at risk of having their children
placed in foster care as well as other follow up services
including family reunification.
I hope this information will be helpful to you.
Sincerely,
Joneph Joseph A. Mittela Mottola
Acting Commissioner
Administration on Children, Youth
and Families
HHS
OSERS
RECEIVED O.
os
ED
asseciated
AUG I
Ms. Hillarv Rodham Clinton
1600 Pennsvlvania Avenue
Washington. D.C. 20500
Dear Ms. Clinton:
I would like to inform you of one example of why health care
costs. government spending and government waste continue at such
high levels. The lack of human decency and compassion seems to
be an obvious factor but since no one we've encountered in our
particular situation seems to care much about such
considerations, perhaps someone would take issue with the
associated fiscal concerns.
Although I'd prefer to relate our experience in a shorter text,
my several attempts to do so failed. Please excuse the length of
this correspondence.
I am the stepmother of a 15-year-old boy, John, who is multi-
handicapped. He is profoundly deaf. has cerebral palsy (but is
ambulatory) and is developmentally disabled with emotional and
behavioral problems. Although he is 15. his physical stature is
diminutive and. physically. he appears to be about 10 or 11. His
emotional and intellectual age ranges from 3 to 10, varying
widelv in different areas. He has personality that won't quit
and is inherently a very loving and charming boy with an
exceptional sense of humor and boundless energy. I have been
around many special needs children and I find him to be an
extremely unique. complex. and mystifying human being even
amongst other "special" children. On occasions. I have even
wondered if he's a little pixie or elf from some other world.
Unfortunately. however. the reality of his handicaps and the
society in which we live have deprived us of the luxury or
enjoyment in entertaining such silly notions. As if his physical
and mental handicaps were not enough, this child has had to face
innumerable hardships. My husband fathered this child when he
was 17. Both the father and mother came from abusive, low
income, dysfunctional families. and the mother of the boy, who
was 20 at the time. refused to have an abortion even though she
continued taking drugs and drinking alcohol throughout her
pregnancy and even though there was no way, other than welfare.
for her to support the child. When John was born two months
premature. with cerebral palsy, she suddenly wanted his father
back in her life though she previously rejected him. So my
husband moved in with the woman. although he didn't love her and
she didn't love him, dropped out of high school and worked to
support them. Shortly thereafter, they discovered that John was
bilaterally and profoundly deaf.
Page: 2
After two years. the WOMSA started having an affair with another
man. When she became pregnant with this man. she took John and
moved in with her new husband. Over the next three years, she
had two more children, all supported by the welfare system. With
three young children to take care of, in addition to John, she
became increasingly unable to cope with John and his
disabilities. She never took the time or made the time to learn
sign language although his father and other family members had,
and she had no way to communicate with him and he, needless to
say, began to develop behavioral and emotional problems. When
she started exhibiting physically abusive behavior towards him,
and after an incident in which she literally packed John's
clothes and told him to get out of the house after slamming him
against a wall (he was about 7 or 8 at the time), his father took
sole custody of him.
Since that time. seven plus years ago, the mother has had
virtually nothing to do with him. He still misses her and cries
on occasion because she doesn't want to see him and because he
misses his half brothers and sister. He sees them on rare
occasions but only for a few hours at a time. She doesn't
acknowledge his birthday or holidays.
In addition to this, as if this was not enough. the school system
started inflicting their ineptness on the child early on in his
school background. Due to his behaviors, even though they were
not of a physical nature but of an emotional one, they had a
doctor put him on medication which aggravated his cerebral palsy.
After an incident in which he came home from school, at age 5,
in a fever. trembling and shaking uncontrollably. the mother took
him off the medication.
There are too many school placements. incidents, and horror
stories to detail here, but one relatively "minor" one which
briefly illustrates the callousness and lack of caring was when
his father took custody of him and he was placed in a special ed
class on a mainstream campus by the school district. Although
the district assured, in writing, that John would have a signing
aide in the classroom (since he was the only deaf child and the
teacher could not sign), the signing aide never showed up. John,
at 7 or 8, had no way of knowing something was wrong or to tell
his father about the situation. It was two weeks before his
father found out. by chance. that the aide was not showing up.
Throughout this two week period, John had no one to communicate
with and had to cope, in the meantime, with the cruel teasing and
harassment by classmates.
John has never been able to socialize with his "peers" in school
because his unique combination of handicaps and his cleverness
VS. his mental handicaps have left him peerless in each situation
he has been in. Invariably, his "peers" will be much older than
him, much younger than him, more physically handicapped, less
Page: 3
physically handicapped, far too sophisticated for him, or not
sophisticated enough. Plus his deafness isolates him even more.
Even when he was in school placements exclusively for the hearing
impaired, he could find no peers as many of those children's only
handicap was their deafness. We know he has wanted to socialized
and has desperately tried but he just can't seem to establish
anything more than a superficial friendship with other children.
And because the school system is regimental in placing even
special ed children in classes/grades according to their
chronological age VS. their emotional/intellectual age, John kept
lagging behind because his behavioral problems would invariably
prevent him from developing academically. This, in turn, would
cause him even more frustration when he couldn't compete or
participate in classroom assignments.
When Greg, my husband. and I moved in together five years ago, I
was somewhat aware of the difficulties he was having trying to
raise John on his own, i.e., keeping a job, finding day care,
dealing with the school district, but I had no idea what a
horrible, degrading, demoralizing experience was in store. I
also believed that I would just start networking with the various
agencies, advocates and organizations "devoted" to assisting
special needs children and we would eventually find the right
school, professional and appropriate day care, and in doing so
provide John a safe, secure and nurturing environment, at last.
Furthermore, when we first moved in together, I had an excellent
credit rating, a good job, and a modest savings. However, within
the first three months after being together, after Greg found a
full-time job after relocating to my area, and after having no
luck finding a day care facility for John (as it was in the
summer), I lost my job when the babysitter we did find called me
up at work to come pick up John (after only spending two hours
with him).
Since that time, I have had numerous full and part time jobs,
none of which I have been able to keep because of school and day
care problems. Even when he was enrolled in school, I could not
even keep part time jobs because we would be routinely called by
the schools and after school day care programs to come pick John
up because he had been suspended for days at a time (due to his
behavior). Even though this was illegal to due for more than
five days per school year, as we found out later, they would not
always use the word "suspension" but suggested we keep John home
for a few days for his own good. Since we had no family or
friends who could watch John during the day one of us would have
to take time off from work. When I was trying to keep jobs,
sometimes my husband would take time off. This, of course,
damaged his potential for advancements in his employment because
even if employers were sympathetic to the situation they could
not consider either of us dependable enough to advance - which
Page: 4
also affected earning potential. And when push came to shove, we
would have to opt for me losing a job rather than him since he
was earning more money than I, but still not enough to support
our household.
After three years of battling with the school district to find
some resolve to this deteriorating situation, including the
suggestion by us that John stay out of school and have five hours
a week of home schooling so he could at least get the education
he had been deprived of, we met with nothing but hostile and
contemptuous resistance. When his behaviors - after being placed
(against our wishes) in a special ed junior high class which was
far too sophisticated for him - escalated to a point in which he
routinely was suspended or had to be physically prone by numerous
teachers and staff. and was soiling and wetting his pants at
school on a daily basis, we called another meeting.
What these "caring professionals" also failed to concern
themselves with was the fact that once he was in an agitated
state he would carry this behavior on at home unable to unwind
once he left school. Furthermore, what they refused to believe
and/or didn't care about was the fact that when John was at home
for prolonged periods, i.e., during summer vacations, holiday
breaks or long suspensions, his negative behaviors subsided and
he was as well-behaved as any other child, as we had learned to
cope with and correct his previous bad behaviors at home through
love, discipline and consistency - something he never really had
on a regular basis when living with his mother and something the
school system was incapable or unwilling to establish for him in
an educational setting.
In addition, when he was at home for prolonged periods, he never
had any toileting problems, but whenever he was reinstated in
school, this behavior would manifest almost immediately. Again,
no one seemed to care.
In November of 1991, the situation in his junior high placement
had deteriorated to the point that John had defecated on the
carpet in his bedroom. something he had never done before at
home. At this meeting it was clear that the special ed school he
was enrolled in clearly wanted John out of their school and they
told us the only place for him was a special residential program
for deaf children with emotional disorders. It was, in fact, at
a state mental hospital in Napa, California, over 400 miles from
our home. Although we were against the placement, it was made
clear to us that this 12 to 18-month program was our only
alternative and the only way to socialize John SO he could return
to school. We were also told that this was a uniquely special
program, as few were available, and was one of the best and most
highly regarded. When we asked for references from parents whose
children had completed this program, we were assured they would
be plentiful and forthcoming. (In the following weeks, we
Page: 5
received none, but heard many excuses why). We were also told
that our only alternative was a program for deaf "gang member
types" or for severely retarded youngsters (much younger than he)
who were not deaf.
(We later found out the procedures of this particular meeting,
the manner in which this placement was offered, and the manner in
which this information was presented to us was both illegal and
professionally unethical. Of course, when we found that out, we
also found out there wasn't a whole lot we could do about it.
I've enclosed copies of a legal case given to us by an attorney
who told us. in essence, that you can't fight the California
school system. After reading the opinions and arguments in this
case, that became painfully apparent).
When we drove the 400 miles to Napa with John to visit the
program and received the guided tour, it appeared it might be a
good program. Our son also appeared interested in going there as
he was miserable at his last placement and he recognized a couple
of the children there from past schools he attended (and there
have been many). When talking with the staff psychiatrist and
counselors, we voiced our concerns about the use of medications
since we have found his behavioral problems to be emotional
rather than physically based. Plus we were concerned with the
side affects exacerbating his neurological condition. They
assured us they only consider drug therapy as a last resort and
they, too, from what they had read about John, felt his behaviors
were emotionally based. They also assured us they would want to
closely observe him for at least six months before even
considering any drug therapy.
We felt relieved that they seemed to share our concerns and
observations. What we encountered once we placed John there, two
weeks later began to, and continued to, contradict everything we
were told and promised. In the ensuing eight weeks we visited
the facility twice, as the distance, condition of our car, and
costs involved with making the trips were prohibitive. Once was
at Christmas, and the other was to remove him from this snakepit.
John's personality was clearly deteriorating. When we visited
him at Christmas. his effervescent personality was somber and
zombie-like. His dorm room, looking quite unlike the ones we had
seen on our tour, was barren and littered. All of the new
clothes we had bought him, underwear, books, games, were gone.
He was able to hold on to his jacket and a couple of other items
which were locked in his small cabinet/closet. He was wearing
ragged nylon sweat pants and a T-shirt. The community clothes he
and his roommate had were strewn all over the room. Paper and
clutter was everywhere. Beds were unmade.
A number of kids were just standing around in the halls. Two
were occupying their time playing with a styrofoam cup over a
Page: 6
floor heater vent. Others sat in the main dorm room, glued to a
television set while the adult counselors sat and chit-chatted
around a desk in the back of the room.
On our way home from that visit we were extremely depressed and
lost with regards to what we were going to do. Making matters
worse was that when we'd try to communicate with staff, by phone,
the counselors who were so syrupy-sweet when we met them on our
tour were now contemptuous and hostile when we voiced our
concerns over John's apparent lack of progress and deteriorating
condition. We were routinely subjected to insulting and or rude
communication with the staff when we were able to get them to
take our calls or return messages.
After him being there nearly eight weeks, we finally get a call
from the psychologist (who had promised to give us her assessment
of him after his first thirty days there) and she tells us John
is severely retarded, hyperactive and should be put on three
different (very potent) drugs. We, at that point, realized what
a mistake we had made agreeing to this placement. She also said
he did not even know the alphabet, didn't know his birthday, and
had very limited learning abilities. That was utter crap. John
had taught me the sign language alphabet years ago! It was clear
these professionals had no clue about John and that his well-
being was being severely jeopardized in this placement. We were
also told that he and two other boys were found mutilating their
arms with battery acid and a sharp object. Self-mutilation was a
behavior he had NEVER exhibited before.
My husband and I agreed that it was. at last, a time to take a
stand, regardless of the consequences. We drove up to the
facility that weekend and removed John. We contacted school
officials and told them they could take whatever action they
wanted to against us but we were not going to agree any longer to
what THEY thought was best for John. If they couldn't come up
with an appropriate program, in our neighborhood, we would just
keep him at home.
We then started contacting, once again, all the advocacy groups
and organizations, trying to find legal counsel. We contacted
anybody and everybody, including the ACLU, without any results.
Finally, an attorney who worked with one of the advocacy groups
agreed to take John's case up with the school district with the
understanding that we could not afford her fees but she would
likely recoup them from the school district if we win the
mediation, which she felt we would have no trouble doing.
Numerous other issues surrounded our case, including a situation
in which the school district, just prior to his placement at the
mental hospital, lost our son for over four hours. We had to
call police because the bus company lost him and told us he
hadn't boarded the bus. At that point, we feared he may have
Page: 7
been kidnapped or lost. As it turned out, they rerouted him on
another bus and it took them over four hours to locate him and
deliver him to our house. When we demanded an explanation, in
writing, as to where our son was for these four hours and that an
upgrade of procedures was in place which would prevent such an
event from occurring again (as they do not sign these children on
and off the buses - something we had just erroneously assumed
they did) these requests were flatly refused and our attorney
couldn't even provoke a satisfactory response from school
district officials.
In the meantime, we tried to contact various media but our story
didn't have a "hook". We got plenty of "sympathetic" "sorries".
We, again, attempted to find some outside assistance not because
we wanted to, but because we were desperate.
We also tried to apply for SSI for John, since I had to give up
my job. Since we jointly earned $35,000, before taxes, in 1991,
we did not qualify. Since then we're down to about $30,000 for
1992, and will be lucky if we make that this year, but at this
point even SSI benefits would not make help us get out of this
mess and, if anything, might only encourage us to stay in the
hole we're in, much the way welfare does.
What ensued in the following months during our mediation process
with the school district was gruelling. Having to fight them
every inch of the way, he was finally put in a placement, close
to home (a first) and provided a one-to-one aide while he was at
school and on the bus. Although we were told she would be a
signing aide, as it turned out, she did not know sign language.
She was, however, a very nice lady and seemed to genuinely care
about John. Yet, she was ill-equipped to handle him in the
classroom. Although he was in a deaf-program at the mainstream
school, his handicaps and behavior did not allow him to
integrate. In fact. we later found out he was segregated (with
his aide) from all the other children at lunch and at recesses.
On one occasion when he went in to use the boys' restroom, two
"normal" adolescent boys using the restroom started teasing and
ridiculing John. He reacted by throwing down the trash can and
having one of his "temper tantrums". The two other boys were not
disciplined, but John was. He was also no longer allowed to use
the regular restroom and was restricted to using the staff
restrooms (alienating him further).
While at this placement, one teacher who initially expressed to
us his confidence in being able to deal with John, became so
hostile towards John's disruptive behavior that in front of John,
and his aide, and the other children in the classroom, he called
the school's administrator and told him to "get this God damn kid
out of my classroom". We learned this from his aide, and
although John could not hear the contempt in this teacher's words
we know he clearly sensed it.
Page: 8
We pulled John from this program after having been called to pick
him up, as he was again being suspended. After more wrangling
with the school district, and under the advice of our attorney,
we were convinced to re-enter him into the same school with
"improved" conditions.
In less than two weeks, we were called to pick up John again.
This time, he had bolted out of the classroom directly into a
very busy parking lot, where the school buses enter, and ran
towards the street. Fortunately, he was not injured and was
subdued by several staff before he reached the street.
We pulled him again and told everyone involved, including our
attorney, we would not stand for this anymore. We, again,
brought up our desire for him to have home teaching and were,
again, flatly denied this consideration.
At this point, a mediator was assigned as the school district
refused to accommodate us any further. Through mediation, we
came to an agreement that John be placed in yet another special
ed school in our area. This program was specifically designed
for special children with emotional problems. (All of a sudden
there were all these programs in our neighborhood available
which, heretofore, we were told did not exist). Since it was not
a hearing impaired program and since it was not an academic
program, we stated that we would only agree to it if he was given
a one-to-one aide who could sign and that he be provided at least
five hours of academics weekly, (as our son was approaching 15
years of age and he could not read or perform any mathematics
other than single digit addition. From working with him at home
we knew he had the potential but we were not equipped in
developing these skills in such a child).
Encouraged by a false sense of confidence that an outside
mediator was going to assure the cooperation of the school
district, and that all our demands were going to be met, we
agreed to this placement.
When we enrolled John in school that day we learned that, 1) his
signing aide couldn't sign, 2) nobody present knew anything about
the weekly five-hour academic tutoring agreed to, and 3) that
there was no aide for him on the bus. It appeared that of the
four items agreed upon in mediation. the only one that was being
honored was one that the attorney added, i.e., that the school
district agreed to pay for all her legal fees incurred to that
point.
Not having been terribly impressed with our attorney performance
up until then, since much of the points raised, demands made, and
concerns voiced in the numerous meetings were made by my husband
and myself, we had lost all confidence in her when we called her
and she suggested we put John in this program anyway.
Page: 9
We refused. The mediator then pressured the school district to
appease us (if only to prove us wrong) and provide John home
schooling on a temporary basis. It has always been our belief
that perhaps if he can develop academically, something he was
never able to do in school, he may have more confidence in
himself and feel that he has a chance of competing with his
classmates instead of feeling isolated and inferior.
This program was initiated last September. Within a few short
weeks, he was reading 1st and 2nd grade primers and was doing
carry over addition. Granted, he may not be proficient at the
academic skills he was learning but he has been able to
accomplish things he was never able to develop in eight years in
the classroom. Now, he is reading at third grade level and is
doing borrowing functions in subtraction and learning his
multiplication table. He is also looking forward to learning
division. He has an excellent teacher, proficient in sign
language, who knew John years ago when he was enrolled in the
deaf school she teaches at. I think even she is surprised at
what a difference there is in his behavior at home and in his
ability to apply himself to academics when undistracted.
But of course, this is too good to be true. We received a call
from the mediator saying that although they would agree to
continue with the home schooling until the end of this semester,
they believe that him being home is inappropriate and unhealthy
for his social development and they will be placing him back into
the classroom. Plus home schooling is only allowed on a long-
term basis for children who are bedridden. Also, our attorney,
obviously peeved with our attitude, isn't doing anything. She
told the mediator to discuss the terms with us. We have not
heard a word from her in several months even though we sent her a
copy of John's most recent report card documenting his
unprecedented progress.
Nobody would like to see John socialized more than we would. We
would love to see him have a friend he could relate to, as he has
never been able to really develop a friendship with other
children and we're well aware of how important it is to have
friends at that age. He can get along great with younger kids in
the family or with neighborhood kids for short, temporary periods
of time. He even adopts the role of caretaker and aide when
around kids more severely handicapped, physically, than he. But,
invariably, he cannot socialize with them in anything more than a
superficial manner and he becomes frustrated, cannot take the
teasing (which frequently happens) and/or is taken advantage of.
We have come to the conclusion that he is an exception to the
rule of socialization. Trying to socialize him is like trying to
pound a square peg into a round hole. He gets along with adults
better. as they are more tolerant of him, and he prefers their
company. Whether we like it or not, or whether the professionals
like it or not, his history has clearly proven this.
Page: 10
Also, when he is home, and not influenced by socialization which
exacerbates his negative behaviors, we have found that his
positive qualities come to the forefront and he is less
argumentative and is much more cooperative. He helps around the
house, is kind and gentle with our cats and dogs, easily finds
things to do to occupy himself, like looking through magazines,
playing on his computer, drawing pictures, arranging and
rearranging his room, and is generally very happy, passive, and
easy going.
Still, we felt guilty about him not having much recreational
activity outside the home since he and I are virtual prisoners at
home due to our financial predicament. We have no car during the
day and no money even for bus fare or a movie on any regular
basis. So, we enrolled him in a Saturday recreational program a
few weeks ago. It is a program for handicapped kids, from
youngsters to young adults, with emotional problems to go to the
movies together, skating, the symphony, etc. We were excited
about it because there would not be the pressures he was under at
school and the supervised groups were broken up into four or five
kids each.
Although John was excited too, the fist day he attended he had
both soiled and wet his pants. Again, he had not done this at
home for nearly a year. We were told that if he did that again
he would not be allowed to remain in the program. We told John
this and he seemed to understand. We notice that part of him
wants to attend this program but that another part of him cannot
cope with it. He has returned two times since then and although
he has not soiled or wet his pants, he has started to exhibit his
negative behaviors at home again, just as he did when he was in
school. Although not as frequent, there is a clear pattern in
which he becomes rigid, very argumentative, and even combatant.
He has also wet his pants on a few occasions.
Although we have not had to deal with such incidents in the home
for several months now, in the last two weeks we have had three
in which he gets so out of control that we have to prone him
until he vents all his frustrations struggling with us. This
situation is precipitated by him refusing to do something we have
told him, (like clean his room), telling us he's not going to do
it, followed by screaming and yelling when we tell him he's going
to be on time out if he does not cooperate, and by doing
something like locking or barricading himself in his room.
Naturally, as he grows bigger, becomes stronger, more clever, and
has the normal hormonal changes occurring at this age, he is
getting to a point we can no longer handle him in these
situations, especially if I am home alone with him.
Page: 11
It is clear to us that trying to "socialize" this child is not in
his best interest, or in ours as a family unit, at this time in
his life - nor has it been up to this point. We thought that if
he could continue making the progress he has shown he can make
while at home, both academically and behaviorally, maybe some day
he could socialize as an adult, or young adult, since he has
always preferred adult company, anyway. We concluded that by
removing him from situations which incite his negative behavior
patterns. we could reduce the tendencies and eventually the
behaviors, themselves. In the meantime, at home, his positive
behaviors and inherent qualities would have a chance to develop
more. We decided we would rather have the sweet, considerate,
charming John we know at home than have him develop the negative
behaviors he was honing in his school placements. And his
education was no longer a consideration with regards to the
school placements as he never was provided one while in school.
We had also hoped that we could keep John and take care of him in
our home, as a family. as long as both my husband and/or I are
alive, and have fought the system to obtain and/or maintain the
environment that would help us do this. But we can no longer.
Our financial situation is such that if we keep up the way we are
living any longer, we will be out in the street within the next
couple of months, or sooner. We have no friends or family we can
stay with.
My husband was in a minor traffic accident yesterday and we have
no car insurance because we cannot afford it. We have not had it
for over three years. I guess we are lucky we have avoided such
a situation this long. We can barely make rent, utilities and
groceries, as it is and frequently have to borrow money from
friends. Each month we repay them and each month we have to
borrow it back, and each month we sink deeper and deeper. Since
it is against the law to drive without insurance, my husband may
have his license suspended. Furthermore, we cannot afford to pay
for the body damage on our car. Our second car, which I used to
drive to work, has been sitting in the driveway for over a year
because we cannot afford to pay for its repair and we cannot
afford the accumulated registration fees. It doesn't even pay
for us to sell it because it would cost more to fix it and
register it than it is worth.
Our operative car has nearly 150,000 miles on it, needs brakes
badly and it is just a matter of time before it needs other major
repairs. We cannot afford that either. If my husband's license
is suspended or if the car breaks down, my husband will likely
lose his job.
Since I have been home with John. I have tried to do work from
the home. A family member leant us their computer so I could do
transcription work from the home. That has not worked out
because in the last year this field has developed in such a way
Page: 12
that I cannot afford to buy the updated computer hardware
necessary to compete in this field. I am now trimming sports
hats at home for an arts and crafts business and get paid
piecework. I work long hours for the money I make and average
about $3.00 to $4.00 an hour. Although my income potential is
$35,000 to $40,000 a year, I am now lucky if I can bring in $300
to $400 per month.
Our savings was quickly consumed several years ago. Our credit
is ruined. It wouldn't even pay to file for bankruptcy as we
have no assets. By the time we reached the point where we agreed
one of us would have to quit working to stay at home with John,
we had no resources or credit to start our own business.
Although we have repeatedly tried to do so in the last year, we
are just not financially able to undertake even the most modest
entrepreneurial endeavors.
What is most devastating, however, is realizing that all our
options are gone, as is our strength in fighting this system. It
is impossible to relate what a stressful, depressing, despairing,
demoralizing, degrading, and humiliating experience this struggle
has been. And, there is no light at the end of the tunnel, or
promise of a light. If anything, we are just faced with further
deterioration of our situation with no means to change it. We
can no longer have physical confrontations with John as he grows
bigger and stronger. The brief, "easy" times we've had when he's
content at home are nearly over. We will be forced to put him
back in the classroom and no one, even our attorney, cares what a
devastating effect it has on our home life. After all, they
don't have to deal with the situation on a day-to-day, 24 hour
basis. Nor do they care about our financial hardships. When
John presents a problem for them, they just suspend him and send
him home. The only other choice they give us is to
institutionalize him.
The accumulated stress. depression and sense of frustration, in
addition to our financial worries, over this prolonged period has
been debilitating. It has become difficult to function on a day-
to-day basis. Once-easy chores, like doing the laundry, doing
yardwork, etc., seem sometimes like unsurmountable tasks. The
five years of stress has caused even physical fatigue. And
there's a feeling which develops that says, in essence, there's
no point in trying to do anything. It's horrible, and it is
something I would wish on my worst enemy.
Over the last few weeks, due to this situation, we have racked
our brains trying to figure out what to do. We have no friends
or family who can care for John until we get back on our feet.
We have never been able to find appropriate day care for him, as
the same problems develop. As for a private sitter at the home
who was qualified and willing to work with John on a day-to-day
basis, we cannot find or afford such quality care.
Page: 13
Yesterday, we made the hardest decision either one of us have
ever had to make. We have decided to put John in a group home,
if we can find one, or an institution. Chances are such a place
which can accommodate his age group, deafness, behavioral
problems and developmental disability, will be far from home,
possibly even out of state. We have come to the conclusion that
all we can do to avoid being put out in the street is to take
this measure hoping we can at least regain our financial footing
and try to cope again with the situation at that point. We also
want to be able to set up some kind of trust fund for John for
his future care if we are not around anymore - something we have
always planned to do but have not been able to.
Of course, we cannot afford the cost associated with placing John
in a residential program and that burden will have to be assumed
by CCS (California Children's Services). We're well aware of the
cost associated with such placement, as we were mistakenly sent a
bill for the eight weeks he spent at Napa and were shocked to see
the $27, 000 billed to the state for such an horrible placement.
Also disturbing was the fact that the bill would have been, for
the 12 to 18-month program planned, up to a quarter of a million
dollars if he had remained there.
The system did not want to pay, refused to pay, for five hours
per week home tutoring, which we estimate to be $150.00 to
$200.00 per week, at most. Nor are there any programs which help
the family cope, financially, with the already difficult
situation of trying to provide for a child like John should one
parent have to stay home and take care of him. Obviously, such a
situation for a single parent is even more devastating.
In a society of pro-lifers, do-gooders, family values proponents,
and those who go after fathers who refuse to pay child support
for children, my husband, then 17, who came from a terribly
abusive, dysfunctional and impoverished background, took his
responsibility to care for and support his handicapped son, and
every aspect of this hypocritical society appears to be set on
punishing him for doing SO. On top of all this, my husband
suffers from epilepsy. But, he is an exceptionally intelligent,
sensitve, and caring person who could have pursued just about any
career and lifestyle for himself had he chosen to abandon his
responsibility to his son. He loves his son very much and has
tried his best to do the right thing for him. I have also tried
to help my husband care for him and live up to the responsibility
I took on when I married my husband and became a surrogate mother
for John. And the more he tried, the more we tried, the more
difficult life has become.
This system obviously prefers to spend limitless amounts of money
warehousing children, young adults, and adults like John than in
helping families stay together by subsidizing the modest income
of parents who are willing to care for their child at home (and
Page: 14
at a mere fraction of the cost) in order to maintain the well-
being of the family and family members. I say "parents with
modest incomes" because it has become apparent to us that with
ample financial resources we could hire the high-priced attorneys
and private educational professionals necessary to keep this
system off of our back. They will not even leave us alone.
I have never, in my life, become so disgusted with the human
race. After dealing with this situation for the last five years,
I can only conclude that the lack of tolerance for children like
John and for the hardships placed on the families who don't have
the necessary resources to cope with this intolerance is
widespread in our society. I have also come to realize that the
people who supposedly care (with the exception of one or two
decent individuals we have encountered - and who are virtually
powerless within this system) only care in measure to what they
are paid to care and by whom they are paid.
The worst part is, had we known what the system was really like
and not been subjected to their mandatory "care", perhaps we
could have made a go of it several years ago when we had a
savings and credit. We certainly would have planned our life
out much differently and it couldn't have been anymore of a
disaster than it has turned out to be at this point. It is not
as if we expected the care, or felt we deserved special care, but
we were put in a position in which we were forced to depend on
care which didn't exist. Perhaps we could have prepared for what
inevitably happened had we been made aware of that sooner.
When I first became involved in this situation, I actually
believed that my life would be enriched by the kind of people I'd
be encountering in the special ed schools and programs John would
be associated with. Not only have I found these people far less
admirable than I had anticipated, I have found the majority of
them to be self-serving, deplorable human beings who are more
concerned with projecting an image of caring than in actually
doing so. Maintaining that image, receiving their awards at
dinners and charity functions, and in enjoying the honorable
status of "working with handicapped kids", seems to be the
objective. Granted, it's a very difficult job and I probably
couldn't handle it over a long period of time, but I certainly
wouldn't think I was doing anyone any favors if I reached a point
in which I became as hostile and jaded as are many of the
individuals we've encountered.
I am obviously writing this letter with the hope you, or
somebody, will listen. From previous attempts to seek
assistance, advice, suggestions, etc., I certainly have no reason
to believe I will get any response and, again, I'm well aware of
the desperate state many families and individuals are in, both in
this country and around the world. We are no more deserving of
any assistance than they are. But since we are at our final
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COLLECTION:
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Page: 15
crossroads in this situation, I am giving it one last try and I
might as well go directly to the top with it. And even if our
situation is beyond a point of resolve, perhaps our experience
and its outcome can provide some insight into why this system
isn't working for the family unit, why it is bankrupt, both
morally and fiscally, and why such levels of despair exist within
our society.
Sincerely,
( 003a)
(b)(6)
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b(6)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Maggie Williams (Subject Files)
OA/Box Number: 4106
FOLDER TITLE:
Margaret A. Williams [Folder 4]
2013-0359-S
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RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)|
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b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
OF
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
UNITED STATES of AMERICA
OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES
AUG 27 1993
[0036]
(b)(6)
Dear
(b)(6)
:
I am writing in response to your letter to Mrs. Hillary Rodham
Clinton concerning the education of your stepson, John. Your
letter has been referred to the Office of Special Education
Programs for response. I regret the problems that your family
has experienced in seeking what you believe to be appropriate
educational services for John.
I thought you might find it helpful to have some information
about Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(Part B). Part B is the Federal law that authorizes financial
assistance to States, and through them to local school districts,
to assist in meeting the special educational needs of eligible
children with specified disabilities. Children with impairments
can be eligible for special education services if, consistent
with the requirements of Part B, they are evaluated and
determined to need special education and related services because
of a specific physical or mental impairment. I am enclosing for
your information a copy of the Department's regulations
implementing Part B, at 34 CFR Part 300.
Under Part B, States and local school districts have an ongoing
responsibility to make available a free appropriate public
education (FAPE) to all such eligible children. FAPE includes
the provision of special education and related services which
meet State educational standards and Part B requirements. These
services, among other requirements, must be provided at public
expense under public supervision and direction, without charge to
the eligible child or his parents, and must be in conformity with
each student's individualized education program (IEP). Further,
all children with disabilities, regardless of the severity of
their disabilities, are entitled to be educated in the least
restrictive environment (LRE) appropriate to their unique needs.
If you believe that John's educational placement is
inappropriate, or that he is not receiving FAPE, you can request
an IEP meeting and/or a change in placement. In making
educational placements, Part B requires school districts to
400 MARYLAND AVE.. S.W. WASHINGTON. D.C. 20202
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(b)(6)
ensure that each child's educational placement is determined at
least annually, is based upon the child's IEP, and is as close as
possible to the child's home. 34 CFR $300.552 (a). Each child's
IEP must, among other elements, contain a statement of the
specific special education and related services to be provided to
the child, and must specify the extent to which the child will be
able to participate in regular educational programs. 34 CFR
$300.346 (a) (3). In addition, the child's placement must be made
by a group of persons, including persons knowledgeable about the
child, the meaning of the evaluation data, and the placement
options. 34 CFR $300.533 (a) (3). Part B provides for the active
participation of parents in the development of their child's IEP.
During the IEP meeting, it is appropriate for parents to bring
their child's needs, including needs related to his behavior, to
the attention of school authorities. Appendix C to 34 CFR Part
300, question 44, states that "the IEP for a child with a
disability must include all of the specific special education and
related services needed by the child - as determined by the
child's current evaluation."
Part B also provides you with the right to obtain an
independent educational evaluation (IEE) at public expense, if
you disagree with the results of the current evaluation obtained
by the public agency. However, the agency may initiate a hearing
under 34 CFR $300.506 to show that its evaluation is appropriate.
If the final decision under 34 CFR $300.506 is that the
evaluation is appropriate, you still have the right to obtain an
IEE, but not at public expense. 34 CFR $300.503.
If you request a change of John's educational placement, and the
public agency refuses your request, it must provide you with a
written notice explaining its action. This notice must include a
description of any action proposed or refused by the agency, an
explanation of why the agency proposes or refuses the action, a
description of any options considered and the reasons why they
were rejected, a description of the procedures or materials (such
as evaluations, tests, etc.) used as a basis for the proposal or
refusal, and a description of any other factors which are
relevant to the agency's proposal or refusal. In addition, a
full explanation of all the procedural safeguards available to
the parents under the Part B regulations must be included. 34
CFR $300.505 (a).
You mentioned in your letter that John has been suspended for
"days at a time" for behaviors arising out his disability. Part
B has been found by the U.S. Supreme Court in its decision in
Honig V. Doe, 108 S. Ct. 592 (1988), to prohibit State or local
school authorities from unilaterally excluding children with
disabilities from the classroom for dangerous or disruptive
conduct arising from their disability. Under Part B, exclusion
of a student with a disability from school for longer than ten
days constitutes a change in placement, and the parents must be
Page 3 -
(b)(6)
given written prior notice of the proposed placement change,
including an explanation of applicable procedural safeguards and
due process rights should they wish to challenge the proposed
placement decision. 34 CFR $$300.504-300.505. School officials
may, however, use their normal discipline procedures, such as
temporary removal for up to ten school days. In addition, the
use of study carrels, timeouts, or other restrictions in
privileges would be permissible, to the extent that they would
not be inconsistent with the child's IEP. This determniation
must be made, on a case-by-case basis, in light of the particular
facts and circumstances. During a ten day suspension, school
officials may initiate review of the student's IEP, seek to
persuade the parents to agree to an interim placement, or invoke
the aid of the courts to remove a dangerous student from school
if they believe that maintaining that student in the current
placement is substantially likely to result in injury to the
student or to others.
A suspension or disciplinary removal of a student with a
disability for more than ten school days, which consitutes a
change in placement, may not be imposed without a determniation
by a group of presons, as described in the Part B regulations at
34 CFR $$300.344 and 300.533 (a) (3), that the I student's misconduct
is not a manifestation of his disability. If the group
determines that the student's misconduct is a manifestation of
the student's disability, the student may not be suspended for
more than ten school days.
If the misconduct is related to the student's disability, it is
appropriate to review the student's placement. Nonpunitive
changes in placement may be appropriate and should be implemented
subject to applicable procedural safeguards. If the parents
request a due proicess hearing undre 34 CFR $300.506 to challenge
a local educational agency's proposal to change the student's
placement, that action may not be unilaterally taken over the
parent's objections until all administrative and judicial review
proceedings have been completed. School officials may also
invoke the aid of the courts to remove a dangerous student.
If the group determines that the misconduct is not a
manifestation of the student's disability, the school district
may impose normal disciplinary measures subject to the parent's
right to request a due proces hearing on whether the
manifestation determination was correct, which would stay any
long-term suspension or expulsion until the review proceedings
1
If a removal of a student with a disability from school
for a period of up to ten school days is being contemplated, no
prior determination by the group of persons described at 34 CFR
$$300.344 and 300.533 (a) (3) as to whether the student's
misconduct is related to the student's disability is required.
Page 4 -
(b)(6)
are completed. Under Part B, even during a disciplinary removal
that exceeds ten school days, schools may not cease educational
services to students with disabilities. This is so regardless of
whether the student's misconduct is determined to be a
manifestation of the student's disability. Thus, all children
with disabilities - including those who have been suspended or
expelled - must be provided FAPE, and educational services may
not cease for such students.
In your letter, you stated that John is 15 years old. You may be
interested to know that in 1990, Part B was amended to include
provisions regarding transition services. The Part B regulations
at 34 CFR $300.346 (b) (1) require that the IEP for each student,
beginning no later than age 16, or at a younger age if determined
appropriate, must include a statement of needed transition
services. 34 CFR $300.18 defines the term "transition services"
as:
(a)
a coordinated set of activities for a student,
designed within an outcome-oriented process, that promotes
movement from school to post-school activities, including
postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated
employment (including supported employment), continuing and
adult education, adult services, independent living, or
community participation.
(b) The coordinated set of activities described in
paragraph (a) of this section must --
(1) Be based on the individual student's needs, taking into
account the student's preferences and interests; and
(2) Include--
(i) Instruction;
(ii) Community experiences;
(iii) The development of employment and other post-school
adult living objectives; and
(iv) If appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and
functional vocational evaluation.
A student younger than age 16 for whom transition services would.
be appropriate may not be denied such services because he or she
is not in a high school setting. If the IEP team determines that
transition services are not needed, a statement to that effect
must be included in the IEP. 34 CFR $300.346 (b) (2) states:
(2) If the IEP team determines that services are not
needed in one or more of the areas specified in
$300.18 (b) (2) (i) through (b) (2) (iii), the IEP must include a
statement to that effect and the basis upon which the
determination was made.
Page 5 -
(b)(6)
Procedural safeguards under Part B include the right to initiate
a due process hearing. Parents who disagree with a decision by a
public agency regarding the identification, evaluation,
educational placement, or the provision of FAPE to their child,
have the right to request an impartial due process hearing under
34 CFR $300.506. The due process provisions of Part B were
specifically designed to provide parents with an independent
forum for resolving disagreements with a public agency.
In addition, if you believe that a violation of Part B has
occurred, you can file a complaint with the California State
Department of Education (CSDE). CSDE must investigate and
resolve any complaint that it receives within 60 calendar days,
in accordance with the complaint provisions applicable to Part B
at 34 CFR $$300.660-300.662. To request a due process hearing,
or to file a complaint, you can contact the CSDE official listed
below, at the following address and telephone number:
Mr. Leo Sandoval
Director
Special Education Division
California State Department of Education
721 Capitol Mall, Room 610
P.O. Box 944272
Sacramento, California 94244-2720
Telephone: (916) 657-3567
You may be interested to know that there is a Federal law that
prohibits school districts receiving Federal financial assistance
from discriminating on the basis of disability. This law, known
as Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504),
is enforced by the Department's Office for Civil Rights (OCR)
OCR investigates complaints of discrimination on the basis of
disability by recipients of Federal financial assistance from the
Department. For further information regarding Section 504 and
how to file a complaint with OCR, you may wish to contact:
Mr. John E. Palomino
Regional Civil Rights Director
Office for Civil Rights, Region IX
U.S. Department of Education
Old Federal Building, 09-8010
50 United Nations Plaza, Room 239
San Francisco, California 94102-4102
Telephone: (415) 556-7000
A document that you and your family may find helpful is an
information sheet issued by the National Information Center for
Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY) concerning special
education resources in California. This resource sheet will
Page 6 -
(b)(6)
provide you with the address and telephone numbers for that
organization, as well as for other resources within California.
I have also enclosed a copy of the NICHCY publications list for
1992.
I hope that you find this information helpful, and I wish John
every success in his schooling and beyond. If this Office can be
of further assistance, please let me know, or feel free to
contact Ms. Nancy Jenkins of my staff at (202) 205-9090, using a
Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD). If you do not have
access to a TDD, you can contact either the Federal relay at
1- (800) 877-8339, or the California relay at (800) 735-2922,
and instruct the operator to contact Ms. Jenkins at the above
number.
Sincerely,
Paricia
Patricia J. Guard
Acting Director
Office of Special Education
Programs
Enclosure
CC: Mr. Leo Sandoval
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 23, 1993
Ms. Danyce Ashton
7925 East Granada Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85257
Dear Ms. Ashton:
Thank you for taking the time to share your views with
me. I appreciate your thoughts.
I am sorry to hear that you and your colleagues were
unhappy with the platform surrounding my speech at the
California Hospital Associations Conference in San Diego.
I understand your frustration at not being able to ask
questions, however, restraints on time made this
impossible.
I greatly appreciate your unwavering support, despite
your views on the forum and I hope you will continue to
support the President as his Administration works toward
meaningful and lasting change in our health care system.
Once again I apologize for the inconvenience you felt
the platform caused both you and your colleagues. Thank
you for sharing your views with me.
Sincerely yours,
Clinton
Hillary Rodham Clinton
October 17, 1993
Hillary Clinton
White House
Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Clinton:
This week I attended the California Hospital Associations Conference in San Diego
where you presented an "inter-active" live video cast from D.C. I was an exhibitor at
that conference. We gave up valuable time with our clients to all attend your speech.
You were articulate and expressive, but why would you even consider an inter-active
conference if you were not going to interact with the audience. Most everyone there
who I later visited with was sorely unhappy with the platform. We were all on the edge
of our seats waiting for revelations and with questions. We were not able to ask one
question and then to add insult to injury, you said you had a dinner engagement. I and
my company lost revenue, time with our clients and the option to a forum for questions.
Where is the justification.
I am a democrat, I am a female, I am a business person and I really feel like the
attendees deserved much more consideration than what we were dealt. I have written
you before, received an answer and have been an advocate of the administrations
position regarding the need for health reform, but this debacle went beyond my
sensibilities as one having grown up in the South where bad manners are not acceptable.
Personally I feel each person in that room deserves an apology for improper use of time.
We could have all heard you on tape and received the same outcome without using our
valuable client time to listen to a speech that was taped.
You still have my loyalty, but I really have a different view of the administration as a
whole to pooh-pooh one of the most powerful organizations in this United States.
Sincerely,
Danyce Ashton
7925 East Granada Road
Scottsdale, Arizona 85257
{602} 946-9231
Danyce Ashton
{800} 638-7335 WRK
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 24, 1993
Miss Emily Kaplan
P.O. Box 1330
Boyes Hot Springs, California 95416
Dear Emily:
Thank you for writing to me about an issue that
concerns you and a great deal of other young Americans. It
is gratifying to receive letters from young people like you
who are concerned about the welfare of those in our country
who are disadvantaged.
The problem of homelessness today is a tragedy that
each one of us as American citizens must work to change.
The Health Security Act will guarantee all Americans a
comprehensive package of benefits that can never be taken
away. Homeless people will receive the same security as
all other Americans under the President's plan.
Thank you again for writing and expressing your
concerns. Your support and that of other young people is
invaluable as the President's Administration works toward
meaningful and lasting change in our health care system.
Sincerely yours,
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Emily Kaplan
P.O. Box 1330
Boyes Hot Springs, CA 95416
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
1600 Pennsylvania Ave. , N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
My name is Emily Kaplan. I am a concerned student at Sonoma
Valley High School. I'm interested in the health care issue you
are trying to pull together into a reality for the entire nation.
The idea of national health care is not only profound, but one of
the more positive government advances that we've seen within the
last couple of years.
There are gaps, (or should I say one particular gap) that I
can't seem to find an answer for; such as the care that will be
given to homeless people.
At age sixteen, I am in direct contact with people my own
age who have dropped out of high school, who cannot find jobs,
and if not already homeless, soon to be out of house and home.
What kind of medical care will people like this receive? They
are not drug- addicts, or criminals, they are merely teenagers
and young adults who are not able to conform to acceptable social
behavioral standards.
Luckily, Sonoma Valley is not subject to the amount of
homeless people like places such as San Francisco or L.A. are;but
the population is steadily growing. I am concerned for those
individuals who aren't skilled enough for jobs due to the
educational system of our county, and for those people who are
skilled, but are limited to jobs. What kind of health care plan
will these people be under? How will it affect the average
homeless person who has never had a job?
I would be very interested in trying to understand this
specific aspect of the health policy. If possible, I would like
to have some kind of reply or answer acknowledging that my
thoughts have been sent out to you, and that you know that young
people do have voices to be heard and recognized. I would also
like to add that under the new government, more and more young
people will be getting involved and speaking up. Thank you for
your valuable time.
sincerely,
Emily Kaplan
oct. 6, 1993
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 12, 1993
Mr. Michael D. Mahaffey
411 Caroline Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70114
Dear Mr. Mahaffey:
Thank you very much for writing to the First Lady.
She appreciates receiving comments from people like you who
write about issues that are of interest to them.
The First Lady has not made an announcement about
peas. If she were to discuss peas she would say that she
enjoys them very much.
Thank you again for sharing your comments with Mrs.
Clinton.
Sincerely yours,
Alice J. Pushkar
Director of Correspondence
for the First Lady
Michael D. Mahaffey
14 Oct 1993
411 Caroline Street
New Orleans. LA
70114
Dear Mrs. Clinton and President.
] happen to be in your husbands Navy. 1 have found that
in the last 18 years that peas are one of only two
vegetables that a Navy cook does not mess up when they are
cooking them. Even before I joined the Navy peas were 8
favorite of mine. My wife currently buys 2 - 3 bags of
frozen peas per payday to feed to my family.
Respectfully,
Michael D. Mahaffey
EMI (SW)
USN/AD
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 24, 1993
Ms. Martha Valdez
116 North Road
Eastchester, New York 10707
Dear Ms. Valdez:
Thank you for your thoughtful letter. I am pleased
that you feel I am a role model for you. Your dedication
in pursuing your career goals while at the same time
providing for your family's needs is commendable.
Congratulations on your recent accomplishment in receiving
a degree in Public Accounting.
Thank you also for expressing your support of the
Administration's work on health care reform. The Health
Security Act will guarantee every American a comprehensive
package of benefits that can never be taken away. Your
support is invaluable to the President as his
Administration works toward meaningful and lasting change
in our health care system.
Thank you again for writing and I wish you continued
success in all of your future endeavors.
Sincerely yours,
Rodham Clinton
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Martha I. Valdez
116 North Rd.
Eastchester, N.Y. 10707
September 29, 1993
Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton
The Whitehouse
Washington, D.C.
Dear Hillary:
I would like to express my most sincere congratulations on your
recent work on Health Care.
You have become a great role model for the future generations of
America. I have a 13 year old sister, and 3 nieces that
hopefully will follow your foot steps and become as educated as
you are. Hillary you are not only fighting for health care, you
are setting an example of the potential that women have. It is
refreshing to see a First Lady who is not just an extension of
her husband but is an accomplished professional in her own
right.
I am a single mother of a 4 year old boy, as such I am the sole
provider in my household. I attended school at night and
recently graduated with a degree in Public Accounting. I know
that with hard work a person can accomplish whatever he/she sets
out to do. However, I don't have the power to reach as many
lives as you do to set an example, and that is why I am grateful
that you are our First Lady.
Sincerely,
Martha I. Valdez
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 24, 1993
Mr. John F. Higgins
Children's Television Workshop
Corporate Communications Division
One Lincoln Plaza
New York, New York 10023
Dear Mr. Higgins:
Thank you for your thoughtful letter and photograph of
me. I agree that the warm rosy look of the photograph
exemplifies "Sesame Street."
It was a pleasure meeting you during my recent visit
to the Sesame Street studio. Sesame Street is a wonderful
television program for children, emphasizing educational
development and emotional growth through an enjoyable,
engaging format.
I appreciate the words of encouragement offered in
your letter. I wish you continued success both in law
school and in all your other future endeavors.
Once again, thank you for your support. It means a
great deal to me. I wish you the best of luck as you apply
to law school next year.
Sincerely yours,
Hillary Rodham Clinton
CHILDREN'S
TELEVISION
WORKSH25P
ONE LINCOLN PLAZA
NEW YORK, NY 10023
(212) 595-3456
10.18.93
Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
Washington, DC 20050
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
I had the distinct pleasure of meeting you when you visited the Sesame Street studio;
in fact, I am delighted to have taken a photograph with you and 3 other Children's
Television Workshop colleagues. To say that meeting you, shaking your hand, and
sharing a moment with you is a "high point" renders me guilty of understatement. Like
many other people, I am a staunch advocate of what you and the President are doing
for America, and the world.
Enclosed please find a snapshot I took of you with Big Bird and Rosita. No doubt you
will receive copies of professional quality photographs, however this picture of you is
special to me as its hazy glow and warmth is reminiscent of what a pleasure it was for
me to meet you. Friends and family with whom I have spoken of your visit agree that
your gracious and affable manner -- your style and easy grace -- is clearly visible in this
photograph.
Thank you so much for finding the time to visit us on Sesame Street. As a side note, I
will be applying to law school in the next year and I am committed to working in the
health care field; thank you for providing the beacon to follow as I pursue my dream.
With deepest respect, I am
John F. Higgins
Promotion Coordinator
SESAME STREET
Corporate Communications Division
WONDERFUL
YEARS
1
1993 HENSON
ONE LINCOLN PLAZA
NEW YORK, NY 10023 (212) 595-3456
CHILDREN'S
TELEVISION
WORKSHOP
JOHN F. HIGGINS
Promotion Coordinator
Corporate Communications
DIRECT DIAL: (212) 875-6524 FAX: (212) 875-6114
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11/24/93
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COLLECTION:
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First Lady's Office
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financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA)
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P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 24, 1993
[004e]
(b)(6)
Dear
(b)(6)
:
Thank you for your thoughtful letter. Your support
means a great deal to me.
I am honored and touched that you chose to share your
personal experience with me. It was a pleasure to read of
the purpose and strength of your family. Working together
each of you is successfully pursuing your dream of an
education.
As you know, education is valued greatly by both the
President and me. Education is essential to our nation's
long-term economic development. We can be a high-growth,
high-wage nation only if we are a high-skills nation. Our
work now is a valuable investment for the future of our
country.
I greatly appreciate the support expressed not only in
your letter, but also in your volunteer efforts throughout
the 1992 Presidential campaign. It is through the
encouragement of individuals like you that the Clinton
Administration is able to work to lead our country in a new
direction.
Thank you for your support. I wish you and your
family the best of luck as you each continue your academic
careers.
Sincerely yours,
Hillary Rodham Clinton
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Maggie Williams (Subject Files)
OA/Box Number: 4106
FOLDER TITLE:
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P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRA]
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P3 Release would violate a Federal statute ((a)(3) of the PRA|
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
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financial information |(a)(4) of the PRAJ
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information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
(b)(6)
ms. Hillary Clinton
The White House
Washington D.C.
[004b]
Dear Hillary.
I hope that you don't find my salutation
although I realize you may never lay eyes
though you and of are on a first name basis.
too forward. I only use it because it feels as
on this letter, I decided to write anyway
Let me introduce myself.
as of this moment, I am finishing my last
care course in the Phd program in Education
at Southern Illinois University. I'm 43 years
old with a husband of 23 years and three
children. We left our jobs and home in South
Carolina to come to Carbondale, Ill, to follow
my dream. my husband was unable to final
work to replace our income, he became very
depressed. Inaddition to my full time course
load, I worked at thru part time jules.
My son, a high school junior and my
daughter, an eight gradu all had jobs. We
lost our car, insurance and finally filed
a chapter 13. The most difficult to take
stamps. They still don't know that the reason
was free lunch for our children and food
dad and I chose to shop late at night was
to use Our food stamps. We live in campus
housing because that's where we can affordtole
Eventually, I convinced my husband to
apply to S.I.U. Date did and is doing
wonderfully. my son is a freshman here
also. my oldest daughter Pam is a junior
frie of us full time college students.
at N.E. Missouri State Imagine, four of the
We are still struggling but holding
firm. This letter was not to make you sad
Obut to lead in to why I'm writing it.
I believed is and campaigned for
your husband, but you impressed me very
much. I traveled several times throughout
ellinois to see you both. 2 was lucky
enough to he only a few rows back
when you spoke on my campus in October.
There have been many times the guilt of
allowing my wonderful family to follow my
dream and the weariness of work and
academics was too muchto hear. you spoke
on such a day. your firm hehif in what
you and Biu believe in was enough to Keep
you driving beyond endurance and so
could I.
your dream and hard work are paying
off. you are paving the road along with
other outstanding women for the rest
of us and generations to come. I have
a husband such as yours. 2de supports
me with no excuses, Ide loves me
without reservations and it is reciprocated.
I know that I won't hear from you
and I don't expect to but I du hope
someone who reads this letter will be
good enough to pass on my sincere
congratulations to you bothand to let
you know that Education means a great deal
to one also. my family have followed me to
example. college and many will follow your fine
Sincerely
(b)(6)
Health Care Cards:
President, Bill Clinton
Thank you very much for writing to me about health care reform.
The Health Security Act will guarantee every American a
comprehensive package of benefits that can never be taken away.
Your support is invaluable to me as we continue to work toward
meaningful and lasting change in our health care system.
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Thank you very much for writing about health care reform.
The Health Security Act will guarantee every American a
comprehensive package of benefits that can never be taken away.
Your support is invaluable to the President as his Administration
works toward meaningful and lasting change in our health care
system.