Van Hollen Introduces Legislation to Fully Fund IDEA

Van Hollen Introduces Legislation to Fully Fund IDEA

Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) along with Congressman Mike Ferguson (R-NJ) and Congresswoman Darlene Hooley (D-OR) introduced the bipartisan Everyone Deserves UnConditional Access to Education (EDUCATE) Act. This legislation would fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Congress passed IDEA in 1975 and promised to fund 40 percent of its costs. However, the federal government has never even met half of its commitment, and currently funds only about 18 percent of special education costs. The Bush Administration budget, released yesterday, would decrease IDEA funding by $291 million, providing just 16.5 percent of costs. The proposal is the lowest percentage level of support since 2002. The EDUCATE Act requires the federal government to fully fund special education.

"I am proud to introduce the EDUCATE Act," said Van Hollen. "This legislation will fulfill our long-neglected promise to students, parents, and students around the country. It ensures that Congress provides the necessary resources to provide a first-class education to every special needs student. It is time for Congress to keep its commitments and truly make education a priority."

Congressman Van Hollen's first bill this Congress was the Keep Our PACT Act, which would fully fund both No Child Left Behind and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The EDUCATE Act is a stand alone bill aimed at advancing the same IDEA priorities.

http://vanhollen.house.gov/HoR/MD08/Newsroom/Press+Release+by+Date/2007/02-06-07+Van+Hollen+Introduces+Legislation+to+Fully+Fund+IDEA.htm