Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) requires states to provide children with disabilities a free and appropriate public elementary and secondary education. Congress must meet its financial obligations to IDEA. Over 30 years ago, Congress made a commitment to pay 40 percent of the excess cost of educating a special needs child. Sadly, we have not fulfilled that promise. Without this guarantee, our state and local governments will continue to shoulder a financial burden. As my record clearly shows, I have long been a strong supporter of IDEA.