Chuck Bennett
707 13th St. SE
Salem, OR   97301


The Hon. Billy Dalto
Oregon House of Representatives
State Capitol
Salem, OR   97301

Dear Rep. Dalto,

I am writing as a constituent to share an experience I recently had that I hope will help you to decide to support HB 2222, which increases funding for a special education program that will keep my neighbor Billy successfully in school.

I'm no expert on Billy's condition and can't really tell you what it is exactly. What I do know is that he goes to school every day and is a real asset to our neighborhood. When we are both at home he loves to share his experiences at school. What I have noticed is that although Billy can be difficult to understand, he really brightens up when he talks about the speech pathologist who works with him every day to overcome his difficulties. He talks about how he is learning to slow down when he talks and to more carefully "nunciate" so that I can understand how well he is doing. I have noticed that not only does he talk with adults but he also is increasingly part of the neighborhood's group of children who play together after school.

I understand that if HB 2222 is not passed, funding for speech pathologists in the program that serves Billy so well will be cut. That would be a real shame and a real loss to our community if Billy can't continue to progress.

I hope Billy, his folks, my neighbors and myself can count on you to support HB 2222 and the programs it supports.

Sincerely,

Chuck Bennett