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 Action Alert
 

 

 


 

 

 

 

June 27, 2016

 

Dear State Government Affairs Professionals, JCRC Directors, and Other Interested Parties:

 

When President Gerald R. Ford signed what was then called the “Education for all Handicapped Children Act” on December 2, 1975, the legislation stated that the federal government would cover 40% of the cost of educating students with disabilities while the states would pay the remaining 60% of the cost. Nearly 41 years later, Congress has failed to fund the requirements of this law, which is now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

 

Scarce resources in this arena make it more challenging to ensure that students with disabilities achieve their full potential and become active contributors to society as adults. 


In today’s global economy it is more important than ever that students with disabilities obtain competitive employment, go to college and/or learn a trade. In order to achieve this, school systems must have the resources to support students with disabilities. 


Fortunately, there is a bipartisan bill in Congress that will help ensure that the federal government honors its’ commitment made more than four decades ago.  The IDEA Full Funding Act or H.R. 551 would ensure that the federal government pays 40% of the cost of educating students with disabilities by 2025.  The lead sponsors of this legislation are Representatives Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and David McKinley (R-WV).  


Please ask your Member of Congress to please become a co-sponsor of H.R. 551, the IDEA Full Funding Act, so that students with disabilities can learn the skills they need to succeed as adults. 


You may find out who your Member of Congress is by clicking here. A sample letter that you can send appears below.  For more information, please contact Aaron Kaufman, JFNA Senior Legislative Associate, at Aaron.Kaufman@JewishFederations.org

 

Thank you for your activism on this very important issue. 


Best,
 
William Daroff
Senior Vice President for Public Policy &
Director of the Washington Office


Sample Letter:


Dear Representative (Name):


When President Gerald R. Ford signed what was then called the “Education for all Handicapped Children Act” on December 2, 1975, now commonly referred to as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, (I.D.E.A.) the legislation stated that the Federal Government would pick up 40% of the cost of educating students with disabilities while the states would pay 60% of the cost. Forty-one years later Congress has failed to keep its word.


This is especially troubling because fewer resources make it more of a challenge to ensure that students with disabilities achieve their full potential and become active contributors to society as adults. In today’s global economy it is more important than ever that students with disabilities obtain competitive employment, go to college and/or learn a trade. In order to achieve this, school systems must have the financial resources to support students with disabilities.  


Fortunately, there is a bipartisan bill in Congress to ensure that the federal government honors its commitment. The IDEA Full funding Act H.R. 551 Act would ensure that the federal government pays 40% of the cost of educating students with disabilities by 2025. As a constituent and someone who believes all students can thrive if they have the necessary supports and resources, I urge you to become a co-sponsor of HR 551 today and advocate for its prompt passage. Students with disabilities and their families are counting on you.

 

Sincerely,
 

 

 

 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

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