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Education
Issues in the 106th Congress
- Individuals with Disabilities
Act (IDEA) Reauthorization
. Congress last reauthorized IDEA in
1997. I supported the increased funding for special education assistance
and the broadened authority for school administrators to enforce
discipline for behavior not related to a student’s disability. Now, I
strongly believe the federal government needs to live up to its
obligation and fully fund this critical program. That’s why I signed a
letter to House Budget Chairman Kasich along with 76 other members
asking for full funding of the federal share under IDEA. In addition, I
will be an original cosponsor of a resolution, which will be introduced
soon, supporting full funding for IDEA.
- The Education Flexibility
Partnership Act (Ed-Flex)
. ''Ed-Flex'' passed the House and
Senate with bipartisan support on March 11. This bill gives local school
districts more independence in deciding how to spend federal education
dollars (up to $11 billion) to meet students' needs. The bulk of the
money is available each year under the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act. A pilot Ed-Flex project dates back to 1994 and now exists
in 12 states. The new bill extends the waiver program nationwide. All 50
governors have endorsed it. The President is expected to sign this
legislation.
- Elementary and Secondary
Education Act (ESEA)
. ESEA is scheduled to be reauthorized
during the 106th Congress. This flagship legislation has defined the
federal role in elementary and secondary education since 1965 to provide
equal educational opportunities for all. The 40 programs in ESEA have
helped schools transform education for our nation's most disadvantaged
children. The reauthorization provides an excellent opportunity to
improve and update the ESEA.
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