Sen. Michael Bennet’s charter school support is a huge mistake (Letters)

Bennet’s support of charter schools is a mistake

I appreciated the opportunity to attend the May 27 town hall meeting hosted by Sen. Michael Bennet and Rep. Jason Crow and to learn of their concern for the growing threat to democracy posed by the Trump White House.

Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to ask Sen. Bennet why he is joining forces with the Republican administration in bolstering charter schools.

The president’s “big, beautiful bill” includes an estimated $6 billion in cuts for K-12 schools. It will devastate programs serving the most vulnerable students. But one of the few areas slated for an increase in Trump’s education budget is the charter school sector, in line for $60 million in new annual funding.

Sen. Bennet last month teamed up with Louisiana Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy to reintroduce the Equitable Access to School Facilities Act, which will make it easier for charter schools to acquire public property and provide federal grants to states for charter school facilities. “Equitable” is an ironic choice of words, given that charter schools are exempt from dozens of requirements placed on neighborhood public schools.

I am having trouble squaring Bennet’s criticism of the Trump administration with his enthusiastic support for this MAGA priority, particularly as he splits time between his Senate responsibilities and his campaign for governor.

Wouldn’t it make more sense for Bennet to devote his energy to fighting for all Colorado students, not just the 15% enrolled in charter schools? Should we expect the same if he’s elected governor?

Karen Francisco, Littleton

It’s not about Biden; it’s about those around him

Re: “Let Biden live out his days in peace,” June 1 letter to the editor

The letter writer misses the point in her reply to the commentary, “Democratic leaders must reckon with the Biden coverup.”  Unveiling the cover-up of former President Joe Biden’s failing mental capacities and the fact that decisions and policies during the last administration were being made by unelected officials close to the president, close enough to witness his deterioration but seemingly dedicated to covering it up, was worthy of a reveal.

Jack Tapper’s book is explosive in that it finally says out loud what should have been obvious to anyone observing Biden’s public appearances toward the latter part of his term. The book’s purpose, in my opinion, was not to “pile on” Biden but rather was, in part, an attempt to exonerate the people in the media and in the administration who were willing to look the other way on what was happening.

I sympathize with Biden and with what he must have been experiencing during the latter part of his administration. I, too, feel that the man deserves to live out his days in peace. However, the lessons in what transpired are important and worthy of everyone’s attention.

Karen Libby, Denver

Restaurants ‘in a tough spot’

Re: “Polis signs much-amended restaurant wages bill,” June 5 news story

It is no secret that eating out is too expensive for most folks these days. As an example, three of us went to The Cheesecake Factory on Tuesday night. Not exactly high-end. We paid $95 without tip for a quesadilla, lettuce wrap, meatloaf, one mixed drink and my non-alcoholic beer.

We all understand workers need to earn a living, but there are no earnings if there are no customers. Restaurants are definitely in a tough spot.

Jack Inderwish, Aurora