Ashley dePreaux

I support HB 1557 because it recognizes that special education is a legal obligation that school districts must meet regardless of cost, and that the financial risk of doing so should be shared fairly at the state level rather than pushed onto local property taxpayers. By lowering the threshold for state aid and eliminating proration, this bill provides more timely and predictable support to school districts, helping them meet the needs of students with disabilities without destabilizing local budgets or cutting general education programs. HB 1557 promotes equity, fiscal responsibility, and compliance with state and federal law by acknowledging that special education costs are not optional, evenly distributed, or within local control, and should be addressed through a reliable statewide funding approach.