Locals raise concerns over secretary of education nominee Betsy Devos

President Trump’s nominee for secretary of education is facing a confirmation battle in the Senate. Here in the Valley, there are mixed reviews over Betsy Devos. Devos is under fire after two Republican senators joined Democrats in pledging to vote against Trump’s nominee. Mona Davidson, president of Desert Sands Teacher’s Association, said Devos is “less than qualified”. “She didn’t understand what IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, was all about. And it’s not like this is brand new legislation. The last amendment to it was in 2006. It was initially enacted by Congress in 1975, and this woman who wants to take over public education doesn’t know what that’s about,” Davidson said. But others have faith in Trump’s nominee. “We have a strong coalition behind us in the disabled student field, Americans with Disabilities, and I think she will respect that and I think she will back us,” said Stella F, a junior college professor. With 52 Republicans in the senate, and Democrats vowing to vote against Devos, the vote looks to result in a tie, resulting in Vice President Mike Pence, to decide the final vote. “I think people are jumping on the anti-Devos band wagon because she’s picked by Trump. I think if they properly vet her and properly investigate, then they will find out if she’s qualified or not,” said David Givot of Indio.