1. United States
2. Va.
3. Letter

I am writing in support of the IDEA Full Funding Act, H.R.2598 and S.1277, to amend part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to provide full Federal funding of such part. Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education. However, that pledge has never been met, and current funding is below 13 percent. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools. It is cosponsored by more than 30 Senators and over 60 House members. Text of the IDEA Full Funding Act can be viewed here. This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of over seventy national and local organizations, including by the School Superintendents Association (AASA), the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), and the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). All children, no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor, should be able to access a full, exceptional education, and this legislation will help school districts provide the necessary resources to make this vision a reality. The current chronic underfunding leaves an unfair burden on students, teachers, schools, and families. Our bill holds up the federal government’s end of the bargain to fully fund special education services on a permanent basis and set all students up for long-term success. The IDEA Full Funding Act reaffirms IDEA's original promise, making it whole over the next ten years. This is a positive step toward ensuring every student with disabilities receives the support and resources they need to realize their full potential and lead rich, fulfilling lives. I urge you to support this legislation as it moves forward through congress, and to vote in the affirmative when it comes up for consideration. Thank you.