November 16th, 2021 by WCBC Radio
U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Representative Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) reintroduced the IDEA Full Funding Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to finally ensure Congress' commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). In 1975, Congress passed IDEA to ensure that every child with a disability has access to educational opportunity. This law was a historic step forward, but since its passage Congress has failed to provide the funding promised under this bill.
Under the 1975 IDEA legislation, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education. However, that pledge has never been met, and current funding is at just 154.7 percent. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our commitment to America's children and schools. Text of the IDEA Full Funding Act can be found here.
“Increasing direct support for our public schools and students with disabilities has long been one of my top priorities. That’s why I fought to include more funding for IDEA as part of the American Rescue Plan. But to truly fulfill the promises made under IDEA, we’ve got to do more. This legislation will ensure Congress finally meets its obligation to fully fund IDEA to help provide every American student with a quality education,” said Senator Van Hollen who has helped lead legislation to fully fund IDEA since his time in the House of Representatives.
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