Jerry Moran: “For almost a quarter of a century the Federal Government has assisted in the education of our children with…”

“For almost a quarter of a century the Federal Government has assisted in the education of our children with disabilities, and for almost that same quarter of a century the Federal Government has failed to meet its obligations. The Individuals with Disability Education Act was first enacted in 1975. At that time, Congress promised to help States and local districts pay for special education by funding 40 percent of the national average per pupil expenditures. Unfortunately, the Federal Government has never even been close to meeting this mandate. Currently, Kansas gets 10 percent from the Federal Government for funding special education. In actual dollar amounts, this means that while combined State and local expenditures for special education equal $420 million, the Federal Government provides the State with only $38 million. If the Federal Government would meet its obligation, Kansas would receive approximately $160 million from the Federal Government level for special education costs.”