IDEA Full Funding Bill Introduced in U.S. House Last Week

The federal budget process for FY18 is underway and an early part of the process has started with a bill in the House. This is of particular interest, especially since it is a sharp contrast to the treatment of special education funding in the President's proposal. Comments from AESA Executive Director Joan Wade are below.

- Paula

The IDEA full funding bill was introduced in the House last week. AESA was one of 37 national organizations sending a letter of support for the legislation. AESA Executive Director Joan Wade issued the following statement after introduction of the IDEA Full Funding Act:

“AESA has long supported and prioritized full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). While the investment by Congress in IDEA has been substantive, the fact remains that they committed to providing for 40 percent of the additional cost associated with educating students with special needs. The highest level they have reached in federal share was 18 percent in 2005, and as schools and educational service agencies begin to prepare for the 2017-18 school year, they do so knowing that the federal share of IDEA will be at 15 percent, less than half of the authorized amount. AESA is proud to support the IDEA Full Funding Act, commends the bipartisan leadership around the issue in the House, and looks forward to working with Congress to ensure increased investment in IDEA both in FY18 and in an effort to realize full funding.”