IDEA FULL FUNDING ACT OF 2000 -- (Extensions of Remarks - May 09, 2000)

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SPEECH OF HON. GEORGE R. NETHERCUTT

OF WASHINGTON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, May 3, 2000

Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4055, not only because the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is so important, but because what fully funding IDEA means for all students. When IDEA was first enacted, Congress promised to fund 40 percent of the increased costs associated with educating special needs students. Since Republicans took control of Congress, we have more than doubled the Federal contribution to IDEA to $6 billion. Yet, this amount is still only 12.6 percent of the cost of educating special needs students. H.R. 4055 sets out a road map to fulfill Congress' commitment, more than quadrupling IDEA funding to $25 billion by 2010.

By underfunding IDEA, Congress has placed an unfunded mandate on local school districts, forcing them to use increased general revenues for special education programs. Through H.R. 4055, Congress will not only help special needs students, but also free up the limited resources available to our schools which should be used for programs which benefit all students.

Our education system is at a crossroads. Some people in Washington, DC believe that the Federal Government knows what is best for our students, whether they live in Spokane, Washington or must survive in inner-city Los Angeles. I believe that local School boards, teachers, and parents know their students' needs best.

Earlier this year, the administration presented a budget proposal to Congress which did not provide a sufficient increase for IDEA, but also proposed more than 10 new education programs which each would come with increased bureaucracy and Federal regulations. The Federal Government must first fulfill its commitment to funding IDEA before creating new programs which will only further burden school districts with paperwork and regulations.

I strongly support H.R. 4055 and fully funding IDEA which will lift this unfunded mandate from school districts and free their resources to serve all students.
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