For additional information, please contact:
Leslie Jackson (301) 652-2682
Paul Marchand (202) 785-3388
Katherine Beh Neas (202) 347-3066
Jane West (301) 718-0979
www.c-c-d.org
May 28, 2002
House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations
Subcommittee
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Appropriations Committee Member:
On behalf of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Education Task Force, we urge you to increase appropriate funding for federal programs that affect children and youth with disabilities and their families in the Fiscal 2003 appropriations. The Education Task Force is particularly interested in those programs that provide important educational services and learning opportunities for children and youth with disabilities. Our specific recommendations for relevant Education programs are listed in the attached Table.
The President and the Congress have expressed a commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, particularly for education. Furthermore, the President has also expressed his commitment to individuals with disabilities with his New Freedom Initiative. The Education Task Force believes that
fully funding IDEA is paramount to ensuring all eligible students receive quality services. States are required by the Constitution to educate all students with disabilities. Congress enacted IDEA to assist them in carrying out this responsibility. Unfortunately, Congress has only funded up to 15% of the cost of educating students with disabilities. Part B of IDEA authorizes the federal government to pay up to 40% of the cost. It is time for Congress to honor its promise. However, full funding should not be linked with reducing eligibility or the weakening of children’s and parent’s rights. Funding for Part C, the Infants and Toddlers Program, Part B's Section 619 preschool program, and Part D, IDEA support programs have not even kept pace with inflation. Significant increases are critical to ensure high quality services are provided to all students with disabilities.CCD is a coalition of approximately 100 national disability organizations working together to advocate for national public policy that ensures the self determination, independence, empowerment, integration and inclusion of children and adults with disabilities in all aspects of society. The Education Task Force appreciates all you have done on behalf of children with disabilities and their families.
Thank you for considering our views.
Sincerely,
| Leslie Jackson | Paul Marchand | Katherine Beh Neas | Jane West |
| American Occupational Therapy Association | The Arc | Easter Seals | Higher Education Consortiumfor Special Education and the/Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children |
Education Task Force
recommendations
Education Appropriations for FY 2003 (in millions)
| DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION |
FY 2002 |
FY 2003 |
FY 2003 |
||||
| Individuals with Disabilities Education Act | |||||||
| State and Local Grants Part B | 7,547.0 | 8,529.0 | 9,980.0 | ||||
| Preschool Grants | 390.0 | 390.0 | 600.0 | ||||
| Early Intervention Part C | 417.0 | 437.0 | 500.0 | ||||
| Special Purpose Programs Part D | |||||||
| State Improvement | 52.0 | 52.0 | 127.2 | ||||
| Research and Innovation | 78.0 | 78.0 | 193.0 | ||||
| Technical Assistance and Dissemination | 53.5 | 53.5 | 131.7 | ||||
| Personnel Preparation | 90.0 | 90.0 | 221.5 | ||||
| Parent Information Centers | 26.0 | 26.0 | 64.0 | ||||
| Technology and Media | 38.0 | 33.0 | 92.8 | ||||