Gov. Pence, you and I share many values. We believe in practical solutions and fiscal responsibility, but my faith calls me to uplift the less fortunate.

School choice has a place, but charter schools don’t welcome all students, especially those with disabilities. I know firsthand after being attracted to the small size. My youngest son eventually became an out-of-district student in Indianapolis Public Schools, where he earned a Core 40 diploma. Even though he was expensive to educate, teachers accommodated his individual needs without complaint.

Another son with severe mental health challenges receives extensive services through a state-supported community-based program. Since he’s stable emotionally most of the time, I can care for him in my home. But when his services end in three months on his 21st birthday — even though his needs will not — I wonder if I will be able.

A third son addressed the Indiana House of Representatives’ “organization day” last year. Speaker Brian Bosma was touched, but I wonder if he really understands the level of parental involvement that enabled him to reach his potential — at the expense of my career.

My sons are well-intentioned young men who will struggle throughout life. Nothing will be easy. After their birth mother drank alcohol during pregnancy and permanently damaged their brains, each spent time in foster care. Yet their lives matter, as do essential services that maintain a basic and decent quality of life.

Craig Peterson

Indianapolis