House approves minimal increase for IDEA

NSBA has called for an increase of $2.2 billion a year over the next 10 years to meet the federal government's commitment to help pay school districts' costs for serving students with disabilities.

Earlier this year, the House passed a budget resolution calling for an increase of at least $2 billion for IDEA and passed the IDEA Full Funding Act, which authorized $2 billion annually for 10 years. Those measures are non-binding, however.

During the floor debate on the appropriations bill, several amendments were offered to increase IDEA funding by cutting funds for other education programs. They were defeated.

The House bill would increase funding for the $8 billion Title I program by only $116 million. "Given the tremendous enrollment growths and the inflationary costs, this increase will provide minimal support for an already under-funded program," says NSBA Federal Programs Director Dan Fuller.

The House bill provides $1.7 billion for the yet-to-be authorized Teacher Empowerment Act, which is part of the House majority's proposal for reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. It does not include funding for school construction or class-size reduction.

The House bill would increase education spending for 2001 by only $1.58 billion over fiscal 2000 levels. That compares to an increase of $4.6 billion in the Senate bill. President Clinton had requested an increase of $4.5 billion.

The full Senate was expected to vote on an appropriations bill before the end of June. The bill passed by the Senate committee includes an increase of $1.3 billion for IDEA and an increase of $286 million for Title I.

Reproduced with permission from the June 27, 2000, issue of School Board News. Copyright © 2000, National School Boards Association. Opinions expressed in this newspaper do not necessarily reflect positions of NSBA. This article may be printed out and photocopied for individual or educational use, provided this copyright notice appears on each copy. This article may not be otherwise transmitted or reproduced in print or electronic form without the consent of the Publisher. For more information, call (703) 838-6789.