Steven Holt: “none of the goals of IDEA can be achieved without full funding. Today, the majority is refusing even to allow amendments…”

“none of the goals of IDEA can be achieved without full funding. Today, the majority is refusing even to allow amendments to improve the funding level in the bill. Congress authorized full funding of IDEA 28 years ago and still has failed to deliver. In 1975, Congress authorized funding to cover 40 percent of the excess cost of educating a child with a disability. President Bush has requested $1 billion increases for IDEA in each of his last 2 budgets. But according to the U.S. Department of Education, providing $1 billion increases each year will never allow IDEA to reach full funding. When it comes to IDEA funding, Republicans are dwelling on the past, rather than focusing on the future. The majority consistently points to increases in IDEA funding in past years and this is true. However, this doesn't respond to the needs of school districts now. That is why we need to ensure full funding of IDEA over the next six years. During debate on the No Child Left Behind Act, the majority claimed we had to reform IDEA before providing full funding. The bill before us supplies the Majority's reforms, yet reneges on full funding. What is the excuse now? Since 1977, 22 separate bills and resolutions have passed in the House and Senate calling for fund funding of IDEA with support of a majority of Republicans. It is time for Congress to make good on this promise.”