Episode Summary:

The Department of Education is under fire like never before. Budget cuts, mass layoffs, program terminations, and a controversial new tip portal backed by Moms for Liberty are reshaping federal education policy. In this episode, we break down the latest attacks on public education, their implications for students and teachers, and the growing resistance pushing back against these changes. *Post the release of this episode I came across a reference to the "snitch" portal saying it has been shut down by in influx of spam emails. I have not been able to confirm this.

Key Topics Discussed:

✅ Budget & Staff Cuts: The drastic reductions in funding and personnel that could cripple essential education programs.

✅ Moms for Liberty’s Tip Portal: The controversial reporting tool that’s being flooded with spam in protest.

✅ Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education: What her leadership could mean for the future of the Department of Education.

✅ The Pushback: How activists, educators, and concerned citizens are resisting these efforts to dismantle public education.

How You Can Take Action:

📢 Flood the Portal: Submit nonsense to disrupt its effectiveness.

🗣 Spread Awareness: Share this episode and use social media to inform others.

☎️ Call Lawmakers: Demand action against these harmful policies.

🤝 Support Educators: Stand with those targeted by these changes.

⚖️ Explore Legal Challenges: Work with organizations fighting to protect education.

Sources Referenced:

• Mathew Rodriquez (them.us)
• Russell Payne (Salon.com)
• Politico.com
• AP News
• Ed.gov
• Cory Turner (npr.org)

📌 Stay tuned, stay informed, and stay ready—because this fight has just begun!

https://www.salon.com/2025/02/27/moms-for-liberty-education-department-launch-program-to-report-teachers-promote-diversity/

https://www.npr.org/2025/03/12/nx-s1-5325854/trump-education-department-layoffs-civil-rights-student-loans

🎧 Listen now and join the resistance!

Podcast Show Notes: Understanding Medicaid & The Fight to Protect It

Introduction

• Welcome to the show! Today, I'm diving into Medicaid—what it is, how it works, and why proposed budget cuts could have devastating consequences for millions of Americans with disabilities.
• If you or a loved one rely on Medicaid, this episode is for you. Stay tuned to learn how you can take action to protect this essential program.

Segment 1: What is Medicaid?

• Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that provides free or low-cost healthcare to low-income individuals, families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
• It is distinct from Medicare, which serves seniors (65+) and certain disabled individuals regardless of income.
• Medicaid covers hospital visits, doctor appointments, prescription drugs, and long-term care, including Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) that help individuals with disabilities live independently.
• Funded jointly by federal and state governments, meaning eligibility and benefits vary by state.

Key Differences Between Medicaid & Medicare:

FeatureMedicareMedicaidWho It CoversSeniors (65+) & some with disabilitiesLow-income individuals, children, pregnant women, elderly, and disabled peopleFundingFederal programJoint federal & state programIncome Limits?NoYes, based on financial needCoverageHospital care, doctor visits, some prescriptionsHospital care, doctor visits, prescriptions, long-term care, and sometimes dental & visionCost to PatientsMay have premiums & co-paysUsually low or no cost, some states have small co-paysLong-Term Care?LimitedYes, covers nursing homes & in-home care

Who Can Have Both?

• Some individuals qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare, known as “dual eligibility.” Medicaid can help cover Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Segment 2: Medicaid Under Threat – Proposed Budget Cuts

• The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed a budget framework that proposes cutting over $800 billion from Medicaid over the next decade.
• Advocates warn that these cuts could:
• Limit access to essential health services for over 10 million people with disabilities.
• Reduce funding for HCBS, forcing more people into institutional care.
• Deepen the workforce crisis in disability services—69% of providers have already had to decline new clients due to staffing shortages.
• Put nursing home care at risk, affecting millions of seniors.
• Leave states struggling to fill the funding gap, leading to more people losing coverage.

What’s at Stake?

• More than 700,000 people are already on waiting lists for Medicaid waivers that provide home and community-based services.
• Cuts could force families to become full-time caregivers, quit jobs, or lose access to critical health services.
• ACLU and disability rights advocates stress that Medicaid is a lifeline—not just another budget line item.

Segment 3: Why This Matters

• Medicaid is more than just a government program—it’s a promise to protect our most vulnerable citizens.
• If these cuts go through, real people will lose access to care, families will face overwhelming burdens, and communities will suffer.
• Experts warn that Medicaid funding reductions could lead to:
• Over 15.9 million people losing their Medicaid or CHIP coverage by 2026.
• Reduced support for children, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
• Longer waiting lists and fewer available services for those who rely on HCBS.

Segment 4: What Can We Do?

• Good news: The...

DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) is under attack, often misrepresented and weaponized for political gain—especially by the Republican party and the Trump administration. But what does DEIA really stand for, and who does it actually benefit? In this episode, we break down the meaning of DEIA, debunk the myths surrounding it, and discuss why the backlash against it is not only harmful but also self-destructive for many of those opposing it.

As Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives come under attack, the impact on disabled individuals could be profound. From workplace protections to accessibility rights, DEI has played a crucial role in ensuring fairness and inclusion. In this episode, we explore the serious consequences of dismantling DEI efforts and discuss the actions we can take to fight back.

• The true definition of DEIA and its significance
• How misinformation is being used to turn people against their own interests
• Why DEIA is not about "unfair advantages" but ensuring fairness for all
• The real-life consequences of dismantling DEIA policies
• How accessibility ties into the broader conversation on diversity and inclusion
• How the loss of DEI could result in fewer job opportunities and workplace protections for disabled individuals
• Why accessibility improvements—both physical and digital—are at risk
• The link between DEI programs and reducing discrimination and bias in the workplace
• The potential loss of community, advocacy, and inclusive policy-making
• How Trump’s push for federal employees to return to full-time office work threatens disabled workers who rely on telework accommodations
• What legal protections remain in place—and how enforcement could be weakened
• 
  

"DEIA isn’t just about them—it’s about all of us. And if we don’t push back against the misinformation, too many people are going to find out the hard way just how much they stood to gain."

"History has shown that when diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts fade, accessibility often disappears with them. If we don’t push back, disabled individuals will bear the brunt of these rollbacks."

• The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 – Understanding Section 501 & 504 Protections
• Disability Advocacy Organizations:
• American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)
• Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF)
• National Disability Rights Network (NDRN)

• Use Legal Protections: File ADA complaints, push for investigations, and support lawsuits challenging accessibility rollbacks.
• Hold Companies Accountable: Boycott businesses that eliminate disability initiatives, call out contradictions, and demand transparency.
• Amplify the Issue: Use social media, petitions, and personal stories to keep disability inclusion in the conversation.
• Support Advocacy Efforts: Join disability organizations, encourage ERGs to continue their work, and form coalitions with other marginalized groups.
• Demand Legislative Action: Push for laws that require disability inclusion, support candidates prioritizing accessibility, and challenge political attacks on DEI.

purgepod47@gmail.com

This episode first appeared on Special Ed Rising; No Parent Left Behind on Jan. 6, 2025

Episode Summary:

In this episode, I tackle the critical issues facing special education today and the potential ramifications of the Trump administration's proposed Project 2025, which includes plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education. This episode is essential listening for parents, educators, and advocates who want to stay informed about the policies shaping the future of education for students with disabilities.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. The Current Challenges in Special Education:

• Workforce Issues:
• Teacher recruitment is at an all-time low, with only 5% of ACT test-takers in 2014 expressing interest in education.
• Retention challenges due to low pay, high stress, and lack of mentorship.
• Funding and Resource Gaps:
• Federal funding for special education remains significantly below the promised 40% target, leaving states and districts struggling to fill the gap.
• Administrative Burdens:
• Complex paperwork and compliance reporting take time away from student engagement and contribute to burnout among teachers and administrators.

1. Potential Impact of Eliminating the Department of Education:

• Loss of federal oversight and accountability for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Significant funding disparities and increased state-level inconsistencies in special education services.
• Greater burden on parents to advocate for their children’s rights and navigate a fragmented system.
• Reduced training and support for educators, exacerbating existing teacher shortages.

1. How These Changes Could Affect Families and Students:

• Increased inequities in access to quality education, especially for low-income and rural areas.
• Potential erosion of civil rights protections for students with disabilities.
• Disruption of established frameworks like IEPs, creating confusion and service delays.

1. Steps Parents Can Take to Advocate and Protect Their Children’s Rights:

• Stay informed about state and local policy changes.
• Work with advocacy groups to lobby for strong state-level protections.
• Leverage resources from organizations like The Arc, Autism Speaks, and Wrightslaw.
• Push for adequate state funding and standardized support systems.

1. Solutions for a Better Future in Special Education:

• Increased funding to meet federal commitments and reduce inequities.
• Mentoring and training programs to attract and retain qualified teachers.
• Technological innovations to streamline IEP management and improve compliance.

Key Quotes from the Episode:

• “Without a large governing body, there will be no regulation on who gets what.” – Amanda Levin Mazin
• “The Department of Education and the experts within it play a crucial role in enforcing civil rights for students with disabilities across the country.” – Jessica Levin

Resources Mentioned:

• The Arc
• Wrightslaw
• Autism Speaks
• U.S. Department of Education’s Personnel Preparation Initiative

Call to Action:

As policies continue to evolve, staying informed and actively advocating for your child's rights is more important than ever. Share this episode with other parents, educators, and advocates, and join in the fight to ensure that every child receives the education and support they deserve.

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PURGE 47 is a new show dedicated to monitoring government actions that affect the disability community. If you’re here, you understand that when policies change and rights are at stake, staying informed isn’t optional—it’s essential.