[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 50 (Tuesday, April 13, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION--INTRODUCTION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 13, 1999

  Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, I come to the Floor this afternoon to 
introduce a House Concurrent Resolution to fully fund the Individuals 
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The co-sponsors and I believe 
that the federal government cannot continue to ignore the commitment it 
made over 24 years ago to children with disabilities.
  In 1975, Congress passed the Education for All Handicapped Children 
Act, commonly known as P.L. 94-142. The Act established the federal 
commitment to provide funding at 40% of the average per pupil 
expenditure to assist with the excess costs of educating students with 
disabilities.
  Since 1995, upon Republican insistence, funding for IDEA has risen 
over 85%. With this increase in funding, IDEA is now funded at 12% of 
the average per pupil expenditure--much higher than the 7% of 5 years 
ago. We must continue to increase funding to reach the 40% of the 
average pupil expenditure funding level mandated in law. Without these 
federal IDEA funds, local school districts must cover the unpaid 
federal share.
  President Clinton proposes to level fund IDEA for FY2000. Considering 
that the number of children with disabilities is projected to increase 
by 123,000 from 1999 to 2000, the President's budget request actually 
cuts funding for children with disabilities from $702 per child in 
FY1999 to $688 per child in FY2000.
  Congress must ensure that the Federal government lives up to the 
promises it made to the students, parents, and schools over two decades 
ago. We must fully fund IDEA before Washington creates new education 
programs.
  Once the Federal government begins to pay its fair share under IDEA, 
local funds will be freed up, allowing local schools to hire and train 
high-quality teachers, reduce class size, build and renovate 
classrooms, and invest in technology.
  The resolution I introduce today urges Congress to fully fund IDEA 
while maintaining its commitment to existing federal education 
programs. We can both ensure that children with disabilities receive a 
free and appropriate public education and ensure that all children have 
the best education possible if we just provide fair federal funding for 
special education.
  I urge everyone to support this important resolution. Congress must 
fulfill its commitment to assist States and localities with educating 
children with disabilities.

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