Congressman John Baldacci

I want to thank Chairman Goodling for bringing this resolution to the floor.

I am a strong supporter of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA. I strongly agree that every child deserves the opportunity to benefit from a public education. We must do all that we can to ensure that every child reaches his or her fullest potential.

But we also must recognize the tremendous cost of this endeavor. In fact, the cost of educating a disabled student is, on average, more than twice the cost of educating a non-disabled student. If our schools are truly to serve all students, the federal government must increase its commitment to IDEA funding.

When IDEA was first enacted, Congress committed to funding 40% of the cost. However, the Federal government has consistently fallen far short of this goal. As special education costs continue to rise, we fall further behind. Currently, we fund less than 12% of the cost, leaving state and local taxpayers to shoulder the rest.

This resolution demonstrates the Congress’ commitment to stand behind our promise. It shows that we recognize the impact that special education costs are having on our state and local budgets and that we are committed to providing leadership and resources for our schools and their students.

Let me give one example from the city of Lewiston, Maine. Lewiston schools currently receive about $233,000 in federal IDEA funding. If we were meeting our 40% goal, Lewiston schools would be receiving nearly $1.2 million – a difference of nearly $1 million!

Imagine the impact that freeing up $1 million for other education needs could have on the education of ALL of Lewiston’s young people. And then multiply that across every school district in Maine, and every school district in the nation.

As I travel throughout my District, this is probably the concern I hear most frequently. School budgets are rising, and taking property tax rates with them. I am often told of schools that have cut art and music programs, eliminated field trips and canceled extra-curricular activities in an effort to keep the budget balanced. Property tax payers simply cannot bear any more.

I know that the situation is the same throughout the US. The bottom line is that the Federal government needs to step up to the plate and meet our commitment to 40% of special education costs. I realize that we must act within the constraints of a balanced budget. But I am confident that this is a goal that we both can and must achieve.

I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and demonstrate their strong commitment to funding special education.