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May 29, 2007
Contact:
Anna Gustafson
717-787-2637
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Senate Update
by
Senator James J. Rhoades
One of the most important things we can do to create a more
prosperous future for our young people is to provide every student with a
quality education.
To meet that goal, we must give particular attention to our
students who have special education needs. Our special education students
require more individual attention from educators with the proper training to
give them the best chance for academic success, and special education programs
that are tailored to meet their unique educational needs give these students the
best chance for a bright, independent future.
However, special education mandates from the federal government
are placing a financial strain on state and local taxpayers. The number of
children with special needs in Pennsylvania has increased by less than 1 percent
since 2000, but in that time the state has increased spending by more than 25
percent to meet the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA).
Pennsylvania currently receives less than 15 percent of the
national average per pupil expenditure for special education students from the
federal government. Our local school districts are held accountable for 100
percent of the cost of compliance with IDEA, but the federal government provides
just 37 percent of the total cost of special education in Pennsylvania. While I
agree wholeheartedly that we must make educating our children with special needs
a high priority, our local and state taxpayers should not be forced to bear the
brunt of this financial burden passed down by Congress.
I recently sponsored a Senate resolution that urges Congress to
increase funding for special education. Senate Resolution 91, which received
unanimous approval in the Senate, calls on Congress to fully fund federal
mandates on special education.
Congress should be a full partner in providing these
children with the tools they need to be successful students. I hope this
resolution will draw greater attention to the need for Congress to do their
part to provide the funding that our special education students need and
deserve.
Senator Rhoades represents the 29th Senatorial District,
which includes all of Schuylkill County and parts of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh,
Monroe and Northampton Counties.
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