Huffman and Van Hollen Introduce IDEA Full Funding Act
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA), along with more than 20 Senators and over 60 House Members introduced the IDEA Full Funding Act this week, seeking to rectify nearly 50 years of underfunding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The IDEA Full Funding Act would finally guarantee that the law is properly funded as originally promised, with the federal government supporting 40% of the cost to ensure that every child with a disability has access to educational opportunities. Currently, the federal government funds less than 13% of that cost, placing an unfair burden on students, teachers, families, and schools. If enacted, the bill provides incremental, annual increases that will reach the full 40% by fiscal year 2033.
The bill has received broad support from over 60 national organizations including CEC.
In a statement of support, Chad Rummel, Executive Director of the CEC remarked, “On behalf of the education professionals who work with infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities I applaud Senator Van Hollen and Representative Huffman for their steadfast leadership to fully fund IDEA. This bill would correct years of underfunding and enable the next generation of young people to reach their full potential.”
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