Jon S. Corzine: “like many of my colleagues I rise in strong support of the Harkin-Hagel amendment to require full funding of IDEA…”

“like many of my colleagues I rise in strong support of the Harkin-Hagel amendment to require full funding of IDEA, providing these increases over 6 years on a mandatory basis. It is straightforward. I think it is absolutely necessary. As a number of my colleagues have said, there is nothing that strikes more at the heart of my dialog with my constituents and those who are involved in the educational system than getting to full funding on IDEA. It is absolutely essential. Before I go into some of the reasons, I also want to say how pleased I am with the work of the committee, for taking up this legislation, structuring it, and moving it forward, and with reform, but also for including some things I think were essential. There are provisions that were added at our request with regard to making funds available to improve programs for autism spectrum disorder, which is a very significantly growing, recognized disability many children are facing. We need to have funding in addressing it, particularly the early childhood elements. I am also pleased the committee was willing to work with us to clarify parents' rights to represent their children in due process hearings. I think it makes a huge difference as we go forward in making sure all of our children are represented. But my main point is it is not enough to say we all embrace dealing with special education.”