WASHINGTON, D.C.--Today, (5/4) the U.S. House of Representatives demonstrated its commitment to helping state and local school districts with the cost of educating children with disabilities. H.Con.Res. 84, which passed 413 to 2, urges the President to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Congressman Kenny Hulshof (R-MO) supported the measure.

IDEA, established by Congress in 1975, ensures that disabled children are guaranteed an equal opportunity to a public education by requiring federal, state, and local governments to share in the expense of the program. Since its enactment, however, the federal government has provided less than 12 percent of the costs associated with educating children with special needs. As a result, school districts across the nation have incurred a financial burden of $146 billion since IDEA's inception.

"Before the President proposes new federal education spending programs out of Washington, Congress must make sure that the government lives up to the promises it made to students, parents, and schools over two decades ago," said Hulshof. "As the federal government pays its fair share, more local resources will be available, allowing local schools to hire and train high-quality teachers, reduce class size, build and renovate classrooms, or invest in technology."

The resolution urges the President to give IDEA the highest priority among elementary and secondary education programs by funding the maximum state grant allocation for educating disabled children, while also maintaining a balanced budget and funding for programs designed to increase student achievement. The resolution states that the federal government's failure to fully fund IDEA programs jeopardizes the quality of education provided by local schools and places a cumbersome mandate on state and local taxpayers.

Overall, this resolution calls on the President to make funding for special education the highest priority in federal elementary and secondary education programs. Specifically, IDEA does not propose cuts to the Pell Grant appropriation, Title I, or Title VI block grants.

On a related education matter, Congressman Hulshof also voted in favor of H.Con.Res.88, the Higher Education Funding Resolution. This resolution ensures funding priorities for higher education in the Pell Grant and Campus-Based Aid programs. More importantly, the resolution helps low income families cope with rising tuition costs and ensures that every student has the opportunity to receive a higher education. The measure passed the U.S. House by a vote of 397 to 13.