Fairfax County Wrestles with Budget Trade-Offs

Elena Escota brings a human touch
to Fairfax County budget cuts.

FAIRFAX, Va. -- Lisa Arlt Escoto is not a political activist. But she felt so strongly about a government program that provided therapy for her daughter that she had to speak out.
So, on a day when nearly 70 speakers signed up to address the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Escoto was No. 37.

With daughter Elena, 6, at her side, Escoto asked that the supervisors increase funding for the Infant and Toddler Connection program, a federally created, locally managed program that helps children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.