[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 53 (Wednesday, May 3, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   FULL FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2000

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4055, the 
IDEA Full Funding Act, which I'm proud to be a co-sponsor of.
  This bill is a prudent investment in our children that will finally 
put us on track to fulfill the Federal government's share of special 
education. It sets a schedule to meet the 40% Federal commitment by FY 
2010 by authorizing increases of $2 billion each year to reach the 
level of funding we should have been providing all along.
  I'm proud to have supported House Concurrent Resolution 84 last year 
which urged the Congress and the President to fully fund special 
education. But we can do more and we should, by passing this important 
bill.
  Everyone agrees that a good education is critical to our children's 
future and their success, yet we are not providing the financial 
resources to make this possible. It's hard for local school districts 
to reduce class sizes, build needed schools, or hire new teachers while 
still providing for special education services, especially when the 
Federal government doesn't pay its fair share.
  School districts are struggling with how to provide the best 
education possible for all children within tightly constrained budgets. 
California has over 600,000 students who receive special education and 
related services at a reported cost of $3.4 billion. Without Federal 
assistance, local school districts are forced to use their general 
funds to the detriment of other programs.
  In a speech I gave almost one year ago in support of House Concurrent 
Resolution 84, I called upon Congress to fulfill its pledge for full 
funding of IDEA. I'm pleased that the leadership of the House heard my 
call and that of my colleagues to make good on the Federal government's 
obligation to the school districts and our children across our country.
  I thank the House leadership for bringing this important piece of 
legislation to the floor and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4055.

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