1. United States
2. Wisc.
3. Letter

I am a mother of two school-age children, a teacher, and a proud member of my community in Waukesha, Wisconsin. I am opposed to the work that DOGE is currently doing and want that group disbanded. I agree wholeheartedly with the stated goals of DOGE, which are to reduce waste and inefficiency, as well as any fraud where it may exist. However, the group's actions have not followed these goals. Instead, the group's real goals, based on their actions, not words, are to create an immediate sense of "saving money" by simply shutting down thousands of programs, grants, and jobs. That does create an immediate savings on paper -- suddenly that money is not being spent. But this ignores the long-term impacts of cancelling all of these pieces, many of which were doing demonstrable good in our communities and world. If we cancel programs like Charting My Path for Future Success, to help students with disabilities transition from school supports to college or work and live self-sufficient lives, not only are we failing these human beings but costing more money in the long run. Now they will not have as many opportunities for active jobs and contributions to their community. Now there is a greater chance they will rely on more and more social supports like welfare all through their adult lives. This is only one small but powerful example of how DOGE is operating on an entirely different path than what they are commissioned to do. A true path to reducing waste would be to have a team of people with knowledge of these programs survey them, track how money is being spent, and analyze the data coming from that program. If it's working efficiently and doing good, it should stay in place. If there are areas that could use the money better, that team could make those changes in a wise and meaningful way to make that program what it should be. Speak up to stop DOGE's unthinking, short-term path to simply close up everything. Speak up for true government efficiency that makes for better programs that help more Americans.