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.