1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

Defend special education in public schools by sponsoring and fighting to pass the IDEA Full Funding Act. Students with disabilities have a legal right to a free and appropriate public education. That right depends on strong federal funding, clear oversight, and trained staff who can investigate discrimination, support compliance, and make sure schools are meeting their obligations under the law. States are already being forced to fill gaps. Idaho is putting $5 million toward its special education funding gap, and Wisconsin has moved to raise its special education reimbursement rate to 50%. These state efforts are important, but they are no substitute for full federal funding and enforcement of IDEA. Congress created IDEA as a national promise to students with disabilities and their families. That promise must be funded and enforced. OPPOSE any effort to weaken the Department of Education’s civil rights and special education enforcement capacity. DEMAND the release of congressionally approved education funds, and SUPPORT full funding for IDEA by passing the IDEA Full Funding Act NOW.