[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 12, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1073]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT OF 1996

                                 ______


                               speech of

                          HON. HELEN CHENOWETH

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 10, 1996

  Mrs. CHENOWETH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 3268, 
the IDEA Improvement Act of 1996. I have kept very close watch on this 
very important legislation because my personal concerns and the 
concerns of the countless idahoans who have contacted me with their 
deep interest in the need for IDEA. I am very pleased to see that the 
bill before us reflects a balanced approach that I am proud to support. 
The legislation gives proper consideration to both the needs of the 
individual children and the needs of public schools that educate our 
children.
  This bill takes major steps to improve IDEA. It provides new 
flexibility to parents. Parents will now have a well defined roll in 
the placement team as well as the learning plan team. This enhancement 
of the parents' roll gives them better access to school records and 
offers mediation services to resolve disputes before court costs begin 
running up.
  Another important step this bill takes is the assistance it provides 
to school principals with additional flexibility to the schools. This 
legislation provides for increased local funding, simplified 
accounting, and fewer paperwork and procedural requirements. Most 
importantly this legislation creates safer schools for all students, 
disabled and non-disabled, and for teachers. This is accomplished by 
expanding opportunities for teacher training, ensuring the inclusion of 
appropriate supportive aids and services in the child's educational 
program; and enabling principals to quickly remove violent students and 
those who bring weapons or drugs to school from their current 
classrooms.
  Don't take my word for it, listen to the comments I have received 
from the following groups.
  The American Federation of Teachers wrote me:

       The teachers are put in the best possible position to meet 
     the needs of their students.

  Idaho School Boards Association President-Elect, Vern Newby, wrote:

       The re-authorization, as proposed, is a step in the right 
     direction. The primary consideration is that local School 
     Boards do what is best for all the kids.

  Idaho Parents Unlimited Executive Director, Debra Johnson wrote:

       We support H.R. 3268 and we appreciate your support of it 
     as well. From the very beginning we have both agreed that 
     maintaining a strong federal law that guarantees supports for 
     students with disabilities is not only in Idaho's interest, 
     it is in the nations best interest.

  This legislation truly addresses the concerns that I have 
communicated to the Economic and Educational Opportunities Committee, 
and for that all of the committee members have my heartfelt thanks. I 
would especially like to thank Chairman Goodling and Chairman 
Cunningham for their very good, hard work that made for a strong bill 
that I am proud to support.
  I urge all of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to join me 
in support for this greatly needed reform and re-authorization of IDEA. 
By voting ``yes'' we ensure that all children will have proper 
opportunities to excel in a stable learning environment.

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