Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of crucial, bipartisan legislation that will support our Nation's most vulnerable. The IDEA Full Funding Act is a bipartisan, commonsense commitment to our Nation's children who are living with disabilities. This is not just about dollars and cents. It is about fulfilling a promise made 50 years ago to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, has access to a quality education that prepares them for a full and productive life. When Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1975, it was a landmark step toward educational equity. The Federal Government pledged to cover 40 percent of the excess costs of special education services. Yet, for decades we have fallen short of promised funding levels, which have hovered around 13 to 15 percent, leaving States and local school districts struggling to make up the difference. This shortfall forces schools to stretch their already limited resources, meaning fewer special education teachers, outdated instructional materials, and less support for students who need it most. The burden does not just fall on the schools. It affects families, educators, and, ultimately, the success of our communities. At the Education and Workforce Committee last week, we just heard about the exciting new opportunities artificial intelligence presents to advance education for students with special needs.…”