[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 56 (Tuesday, May 9, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E678]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IDEA FULL FUNDING ACT OF 2000

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                       HON. GEORGE R. NETHERCUTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 3, 2000

  Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 
4055, not only because the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 
is so important, but because what fully funding IDEA means for all 
students. When IDEA was first enacted, Congress promised to fund 40 
percent of the increased costs associated with educating special needs 
students. Since Republicans took control of Congress, we have more than 
doubled the Federal contribution to IDEA to $6 billion. Yet, this 
amount is still only 12.6 percent of the cost of educating special 
needs students. H.R. 4055 sets out a road map to fulfill Congress' 
commitment, more than quadrupling IDEA funding to $25 billion by 2010.
  By underfunding IDEA, Congress has placed an unfunded mandate on 
local school districts, forcing them to use increased general revenues 
for special education programs. Through H.R. 4055, Congress will not 
only help special needs students, but also free up the limited 
resources available to our schools which should be used for programs 
which benefit all students.
  Our education system is at a crossroads. Some people in Washington, 
DC believe that the Federal Government knows what is best for our 
students, whether they live in Spokane, Washington or must survive in 
inner-city Los Angeles. I believe that local School boards, teachers, 
and parents know their students' needs best.
  Earlier this year, the administration presented a budget proposal to 
Congress which did not provide a sufficient increase for IDEA, but also 
proposed more than 10 new education programs which each would come with 
increased bureaucracy and Federal regulations. The Federal Government 
must first fulfill its commitment to funding IDEA before creating new 
programs which will only further burden school districts with paperwork 
and regulations.
  I strongly support H.R. 4055 and fully funding IDEA which will lift 
this unfunded mandate from school districts and free their resources to 
serve all students.

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