Chuck Hagel: “I rise this morning to join with Senator Harkin in introducing this amendment to S. 1248, the Individuals With…”

“I rise this morning to join with Senator Harkin in introducing this amendment to S. 1248, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, IDEA, reauthorization. Our amendment will provide mandatory increases in funding of $2.2 billion per year to fully fund part B of the IDEA Program over the next 6 years. This amendment will allow us to reach our Federal funding commitment to IDEA by fiscal year 2010 and fulfill our nearly 30-year-old Federal commitment to the States, our schools, our children with disabilities. In 1975, Congress guaranteed children with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education. This means whatever the cost, States and local school districts are mandated by Federal law to provide necessary services to educate a child with a disability. Unfortunately, States have been bearing the bulk of the costs associated with IDEA for this time. States have upheld their part of the deal. Congress has not. This is why Senator Harkin and I and others believe mandatory funding is warranted for the IDEA Program.”