Tom Harkin: “Today, Senator Hagel and I, and others introduce 'The IDEA Full Funding Act of 2003.' This bill will provide increased…”

“Today, Senator Hagel and I, and others introduce 'The IDEA Full Funding Act of 2003.' This bill will provide increased mandatory funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA, and meet the Federal Government's commitment to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditures. These additional funds will ensure that every child with a disability gets a free, appropriate public education. In 1975, when the IDEA was passed in the House and Senate, there was an agreement made by negotiators based on the understanding that the Federal Government's goal would be to provide 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditures in each local education area. There was no time frame placed on this goal, but since that time it has been understood that 'full funding' for IDEA means reaching that 40 percent goal. For the past 28 years, we have put additional resources into IDEA but we have not come close to full funding. This bill will put our money where our mouth is and say that the federal government will be full partners with states and local governments in meeting the needs of children with disabilities. This bill fully funds the IDEA. It appropriates funds for the next 10 years, gradually increasing the percentage of funds which are mandatory and increasing the amounts so that in year 8 we are at the level projected to equal 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure.”