Senators Reintroduce Bill to Fully Fund IDEA and Title I

Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV) reintroduced the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act. Reaffirming his commitment to special education and Title I, Senator Van Hollen has introduced the Keep Our PACT Act every term he has been in Congress. The bill would create a ten-year glidepath to fully funding both Title I and IDEA, closing the gap between federal mandates and their funding.

Upon introduction, Van Hollen remarked, “The Keep Our PACT Act is about upholding our end of the bargain to make the needed investments in education for underserved communities and students with disabilities.” Lee added, “ “Fully funding IDEA and Title I will provide school districts across the country, including Clark County, with the resources they need to strengthen opportunities for all students, regardless of the extra needs they have or what zip code they live in.”

CEC has worked closely with bill champions to support the introduction of this bill and is proud to be an endorser. Executive director Chad Rummel remarked, “This legislation signals that Congress is serious about keeping its promise to share the cost of supporting students with disabilities. Fully funding IDEA, a Federal civil rights law designed to ensure educational opportunity for students with disabilities, is an investment in our nation's students and the future.” 

To view a press release, go here. Full bill text is located here.