CEC Policy Insider

Policy to Action: White House Looking for Summer 2011 Interns

On Dec 29, the White House announced that its Internship Program application for summer 2011 has been officially posted here. The program aims to, “provide a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills [and] is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office and prepare them for future public service opportunities. “

President Obama said, “This program will mentor and cultivate young leaders of today and tomorrow and I’m proud that they will have this opportunity to serve…I want to commend all who apply for their desire to help through public service to forge a brighter future for our country.”

CEC encourages students and recent graduates to apply for this internship and use their knowledge, skills, and passion for special education to bring a unique view to the program, while experiencing firsthand how policy is turned into action. Applications are due Jan 9, 2011. To apply, click here.

Congress Punts Final Education Funding Decisions to Next Congress; IDEA, Javits Level Funded Until March

This week, Congress voted to fund all federal programs at last year’s levels until March 4^th, at which time the new Congress will decide final funding amounts for the rest of the year.  Thus, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Jacob Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Act will receive no increases; instead the will be funded at $12.2 billion and $7.5 million, respectively.

CEC strongly urged Congress to provide substantial funding increases for IDEA and the Javits program.  As states and school districts continue to confront difficult fiscal realities and brace for the end of the special education monies provided by the economic stimulus – the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the FY 2010 federal funding levels become increasingly important. 

White House Nominates Disability Advocate to U.S. Institute of Peace

On Dec 20, the White House nominated John A. Lancaster to sit on the Board of Directors at the United States Institute of Peace. Mr. Lancaster recently retired as the Executive Director of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), the oldest disability grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities. NCIL advances the independent living philosophy and advocates for the full integration and participation of people with disabilities in society.

CEC Salutes Senator Dodd for Leadership on Behalf of Children with Exceptionalities

The Council for Exceptional Children commends United States Sen. Christopher Dodd (Connecticut) for his outstanding commitment to America’s 10 million children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.  With Senator Dodd’s retirement comes the loss of a true champion, a passionate leader, and a vocal advocate in the halls of Congress. 

Throughout his 30-year career, Sen. Dodd has worked tirelessly to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities by consistently calling for the full funding of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a 35-year old promise made to America’s children and youth with disabilities, their families and the professionals who work on their behalf, which has yet to be realized.  

Minnesota’s Rep. Kline Named Chairman of House Education and Labor Committee

On Dec 8, The House Education and Labor Committee announced that Rep. John Kline (R-MN) would serve as the Committee’s Chairman in the 112th Congress. The fourth term Republican, who also serves on the Armed Services Committee, noted he was “humbled by the decision of [his] colleagues to allow [him] to lead this panel”.

In a statement, he noted a few of his goals for the Committee: “Job creation and American competitiveness are vital national priorities. As Chairman, I will ensure they are at the forefront of the Education and Labor Committee agenda… My goal for the federal programs and agencies that oversee our schools and workplaces is to provide certainty and simplicity. We must ensure federal red tape does not become the enemy of innovation…”

CEC congratulates Rep. Kline and looks forward to working with him and the rest of the committee to create and support legislation benefitting all children with exceptionalities. To read the full press release, click here.