HCR 0013

A RESOLUTION calling on the President and the Congress to fully fund the federal government's share of special education services in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

SPONSORS: Rep. Cloutier, Sull 8; Rep. Burling, Sull 1; Rep. Nordgren, Graf 10; Rep. Batchelder, Ches 2; Rep. M. Fuller Clark, Rock 36; Sen. Disnard, Dist 8; Sen. Gordon, Dist 2; Sen. Eaton, Dist 10

COMMITTEE: State-Federal Relations and Veterans Affairs

This house concurrent resolution calls on the President and the Congress to fully fund the federal government's share of special education services in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

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Whereas, since its enactment in 1975, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has helped millions of children with special needs to receive a quality education and to develop to their full capacities; and

Whereas, the IDEA has moved children with disabilities out of institutions and into public school classrooms with their peers; and

Whereas, the IDEA has helped break down stereotypes and ignorance about people with disabilities, improving the quality of life and economic opportunity for millions of Americans; and

Whereas, when the federal government enacted the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, it promised to fund up to 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States; and

Whereas, the federal government currently funds, on average, less than 14 percent of the average per pupil expenditure in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States; and

Whereas, local school districts and state government end up bearing the largest share of the cost of special education services; and

Whereas, the federal government's failure to adequately fulfill its responsibility to special needs children undermines public support for special education and creates hardship for disabled children and their families; now, therefore, be it

That the New Hampshire general court urges the President and the Congress, prior to spending any surplus in the federal budget, to fund 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States as promised under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to ensure that all children, regardless of disability, receive a quality education and are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve; and

That copies of this resolution be forwarded by the house clerk to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and the members of the New Hampshire congressional delegation.