Political Quotes

“when the federal government originally created the mandate on local districts stating that they must comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, also known as IDEA, the federal government promised that in exchange for imposing these new constraints, it would provide 40 percent of the cost. In reality, we have supplied only about 12 percent of the cost. I think this is shameful. If you make a deal, you should keep your side of the bargain. Think of all the local school money that could be used on teachers, buildings and teaching supplies that instead must be used on special education because the federal government will not give their promised share. That is why I am such a strong supporter of H.R. 4055, the IDEA Full Funding Act of 2000. As an original cosponsor of this legislation, I support the effort to channel our education dollars into IDEA. Such an action will not only help the disabled children this act serves, but also allow for more flexibility to local schools in the use of their funds. This act works by setting up a definitive time line in an effort to meet the government's goal of funding 40 percent of the per pupil expenditure associated with IDEA.”