Bynum Co-Leads Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Fully Fund Special Education with Huffman and Van Hollen

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (OR-05)co-led the bipartisan, bicameral IDEA Full Funding Actto ensure all children with disabilities can access a free, high-quality public education alongside Congressman Jared Huffman (CA-02)and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). In 1975, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) to provide these essential educational opportunities, and this legislation ensures that Congress fulfills its commitment.

Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education. However, that pledge has never been met, and current funding is below 13 percent. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America's children and schools. It is cosponsored by more than 30 Senators and over 60 House members. Text of the IDEA Full Funding Act can be viewed here.

"Parents of kids with special needs are fresh off of fighting for their kids during COVID, and we won't stop. We know that every kid has needs - and gifts. No one is disposable and we're tired of having to fight for the crumbs. Fully fund IDEA. Now," said Rep. Janelle Bynum.

"While we've made substantial progress to fund special education services in recent years, we still have important work left to do to live up to the original commitment Congress made," said Rep. Jared Huffman."All children - no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor - should be able to access a full, exceptional education, and this legislation will help school districts provide the necessary resources to make this vision a reality. The current chronic underfunding leaves an unfair burden on students, teachers, schools, and families.Our bill holds up the federal government's end of the bargain to fully fund special education services on a permanent basis and set all students up for long-term success."

"Fifty years ago, Congress passed the IDEA Act, and with it, made a promise to children with disabilities and their families - but we have fallen short of that promise every year since. While Donald Trump and Elon Musk are illegally gutting public education in America, we are fighting to strengthen it. Our bill will ensure that Congress finally meets its commitment to fully fund IDEA, putting us closer to delivering equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country," said Senator Van Hollen.

Rep. Huffman requested $16.3 million for IDEA Part B Grants to States in FY2024, taking a key step toward securing full federal funding. He will continue to advocate for more federal funding in the upcoming FY2025 appropriations cycle, ensuring that every child can access the resources they need to succeed.

This bill is also co-led in the House by Representatives Glenn "GT" Thompson (PA-15), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Don Bacon (NE-02), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), and Mike Bost (IL-12).

"As the Trump Administration slashes support for students with disabilities by dismantling the Department of Education, I am proud to join my colleagues in advancing legislation that mandates increased IDEA funding. Together with parents, teachers, and education advocates, we will hold the President accountable for his reckless attacks on accessible education and make sure every kid has the chance to learn, grow, and-ultimately-succeed," said House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse.

"This bipartisan legislation is fulfilling a long overdue promise made by the federal government to support students with disabilities by funding 40% of the cost of special education," said Rep. Don Bacon."For far too long that commitment has gone unfulfilled, and now we are taking action to deliver on that promise. I'm honored to co-lead the reintroduction of the IDEA Full Funding Act."

"For too long, the federal government has fallen short on its commitment to share the cost of education with states for individuals with special needs, placing an unfair burden on schools, teachers, and families," said Rep. Glenn "GT" Thompson."The IDEA Full Funding Act reaffirms our promise and makes IDEAwhole over the next 10 years. This is a positive step toward ensuring every student with disabilities receives the support and resources they need to thrive.

"As the mother of a child who benefited from special education, I know firsthand just how life changing these programs can be for Minnesota students and their families," said Rep. Angie Craig."I'm proud to be co-leading this bipartisan legislation to fully fund special education programs and ensure our special educators and paraprofessionals have the resources they need to keep up this critical work."

"Every child, regardless of ability, deserves access to a high-quality education and a fair opportunity to succeed," said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick."For too long, the federal government has fallen short of its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), leaving schools and families to shoulder the burden. We're working to change that through the bipartisan, bicameral IDEA Full Funding Act-legislation that will ensure students in Bucks and Montgomery counties, and across the nation, have access to the full range of resources, support, and high-quality education they need to reach their fullest potential."

"For many parents, raising a child with a disability is a full-time job. Every child, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, deserves the opportunity to develop skills that will help them lead fulfilling lives. That's why I'm a proud co-lead of the IDEA Full Funding Act," said Rep. Eric Swalwell."Parents have to fight too damn hard to get their child the resources they need, and Congress has fallen short of our promise to support all students as they learn essential skills for adulthood. This bill would require regular mandatory increases in spending to match the needs of America's classrooms. Fully funding IDEA is a big step in bringing down barriers and stepping up our students for success."

"For too long, the federal government has fallen short of its funding commitment to students with special needs, forcing schools to subsidize rising special education costs with general education funds," said Rep. Pete Stauber."This leaves every student at a disadvantage. As the parent of a child with special needs, I am proud to continue the fight to ensure Congress fulfills its promise to our special needs students and their parents, so our educators can strengthen special education services while meeting the needs of every American student."

This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of over 70 national and local organizations, including by theSchool Superintendents Association (AASA), theAssociation of School Business Officials International (ASBO), and the Council for Exceptional Children.

"I see firsthand the critical role special education plays in shaping the future of our students. With the growing needs of students with disabilities, it is more important than ever that we fully fund IDEA. Every child, regardless of ability, deserves access to the education and support they need to thrive. I urge Congress to please find it in their hearts to vote this critical legislation through and support all our beautiful children across this great nation," said Jaime Green, Superintendent of Trinity Alps Unified School District (TAUSD).

"AASA is proud to support the IDEA Full Funding Act being introduced today. We strongly support this legislation as a key priority in strengthening our nation's schools and supporting them in their work to ensure all students-regardless of ability-have an opportunity to access a high-quality education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) represents a critical commitment to help level the playing field for historically disadvantaged populations, students with disabilities. We are proud to endorse the IDEA Full Funding Act, being introduced in both the House and Senate this week, for its work to hold Congress accountable and create a clear path and plan of action. We thank Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Thompson and Huffman for their leadership on this important issue," said AASA Executive Director Dr. David R. Schuler.

"School districts everywhere are facing significant financial strain as they strive to educate and serve all students, including those with disabilities. Fully funding IDEA would help schools keep up with rising costs to effectively assess and respond to increasing needs, attract and retain specialized instructional support personnel, and provide assistive equipment and technology to help students learn and succeed," said Elleka Yost, ASBO Director of Advocacy & Research.

"As the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) turns 50 years old this year, now is the perfect time for Congress to make good on its pledge to fully fund IDEA," said Chad Rummel, executive director of the Council for Exceptional Children."We thank Sen. Van Hollen, Reps. Huffman and Thompson, and all the bill cosponsors for introducing this bill to provide the resources needed to support the infants, toddlers, children and youth served under IDEA," said Kuna Tavalin, Senior Advisor at the Council for Exceptional Children.

The bill is also supported by:The School Superintendents Association (AASA), AFT, AFL-CI", American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Occupational Therapy Association, American PsychologicalAssociation, Assistive Technology Industry Association, Association of Educational Service Agencies, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators, Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, CAST, Center for Learner Equity, Coalition for Adequate Funding for Special Education, Coalition for Community Schools, Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA), Council for Exceptional Children, Council for Learning Disabilities, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, EDGE Consulting Partners, EdTrust, Education Reform Now, First Focus Campaign for Children, Higher Education Consortium for Special Education, Institute for Educational Leadership, Learning Disabilities Association of America, NAESPA (NationalAssociation of ESEA State Program Administrators), NationalAssociation for Music Education, NationalAssociation for Pupil Transportation, NationalAssociation of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, NationalAssociation of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS), NationalAssociation of Private Special Education Centers, NationalAssociation of School Psychologists, NationalAssociation of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society, National Education Association, National PTA, National Rural Education Association (NREA), NBJC, Teach For America, TheAdvocacy Institute, The Arc of the United States, TNTP.

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