FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, April 4, 2000

(WASHINGTON, DC) - After cosponsoring and voting for a similar congressional resolution last May, Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District-KS) today added his support to a Kansas legislative initiative that would express the state’s desire for full federal funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

   The Congressman also announced he is a cosponsor of H.R. 4090, written by Rep. David Vitter (R-LA), designed to increase federal funding over the next two years to the levels promised by Congress 25 years ago when it first passed the legislation.

   "There is no doubt Congress is not living up to its commitment to the states and local school districts that was made back in 1975," said Congressman Moore. "Congress said it would contribute 40% of the national average per pupil expenditure to educate children with disabilities. This year Congress funded 12.6% which, unfortunately, is the closest its ever been."

   "Local districts in Kansas are doing the best they can to comply with the rules for educating disabled students," continued Moore. "I’ve seen that myself. But what Congress has done is left the local districts holding the financial bag. That’s not right, and it needs to change."

   Because the federal government continues to fall short of its commitment, state and local education agencies across the nation are redirecting precious resources to cover the high costs of educating children with disabilities. This trend has hampered local efforts to reduce class size, build and renovate classrooms, and invest in technology.

   In a letter to Kansas legislative leaders, Congressman Moore stated, "I urge the legislature to pass this resolution expressing your concern to Congress. It will prove an invaluable tool to the Kansas congressional delegation in showing our bipartisan leadership that action needs to be taken now."