PRESS RELEASE
May 3, 2000
CONTACT: Yier Shi 202-225-5716 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OSE HAILS HOUSE PASSAGE OF IDEA FUNDING
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congressman Doug Ose (R-Sacramento) today praised the House of Representatives for passing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2000 (IDEA), a move that will allow the government to meet its financial commitment to educate America’s children with disabilities.
"Congress made a promise to children and families with special education
needs that we will provide them with access to a quality public education," Ose
said. "Today’s action is a step in the right direction towards fulfilling this
promise."
Congress has failed to meet the federal mandate established by in 1975, which calls for the government to contribute 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure to assist local schools with the extra costs of educating children with disabilities. Since the Republican majority in Congress, IDEA funding has risen by 115 percent, or $2.65 billion.
But even with the increase, the funding equals only 12.6 percent of the average per pupil expenditure. In order to meet its 40 percent commitment, today’s bill will authorize an increase of $2 billion a year in IDEA funding for the next 10 years.
IDEA passed the house today with 421-3 margin.
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