Senate Appropriations Committee Approves Increases in Funding for IDEA B and C

The topsy-turvy Congressional budget season continues. At almost the 11th hour in a vote backing right up to recess, the Senate Appropriations Committee approved an increase in IDEA Part B funding of $420 million dollars and - somewhat more surprisingly – it approved an increase in IDEA Part C funding of $20 million dollars.

 

A Budget Process to Remember

First, the President asked for only a $250 million increase and only for Part B (School Aged Program). CEC and several other groups worked diligently to persuade Congress that even in these times, students with disabilities deserved more. Next, in the beginning of July, the House approved a modest increase over this amount - $400 million – but again only for Part B programs. Then finally, in the last week of July, the Senate upped the ante further by approving an increase in IDEA Part B funding of $420 million and, somewhat more surprisingly, an increase in IDEA Part C of $20 million dollars. 

Part C (Infants and Toddlers)

As our members know well, CEC has long advocated for full funding for all parts of IDEA. Yet, despite this continuing work, Part C has not seen significant increases in at least six years. The lack of funding for Part C, combined with rising costs and the voluntary nature of state participation in the program, has fed real concerns that states would drop out of the program because they would no longer be able to afford it. While this $20 million will not solve all of these problems, it is a step in the right direction which CEC believes it can build upon in the years to come. 

Next Steps

The Budget process is now subject to election year politics. The House and the Senate must both agree on a budget before the President may sign. With upcoming elections, it is unlikely this will occur. If they can’t agree, they must at least pass funding – at last year’s amounts - by midnight on September 30, to keep the government open. This would mean IDEA would not see any increases. CEC will act lively monitor this process continue to push for increased levels of funding for all of IDEA, and work with its members – when the time is right – to inundate Congress with support for these increases.

Comments

[Claudia Robinson]

When it comes to education with all the cutbacks that have been taken place, it is a delight to hear that the CEC was able to get an increase in funding.

[Cindy Mannie]

Although the money seems to be generated by the federal government, the severe and profound population never seems to receive the necessary resources.

[Stefanie]

It was surprising to me that funding was found and given. I guess we are so use to hearing the lack of funding that I was almost given hope that funding can be available and found.

[WorkingDad]

Hey there, I am a Seattle-based journalist, and I am writing a series on specials needs issues in early learning. I had a few questions about your blog post on Part C funding. Would you have a few minutes to talk today?
Thanks,