Stauber Continues Push for Special Education Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) joined a bipartisan group of lawmakers in reintroducing the IDEA Full Funding Act, legislation to ensure the federal government meets its obligation to fully fund special education. Stauber has been championing this issue since he first arrived in Congress. 

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education (IDEA) Act, the federal government committed to pay 40% per pupil. However, that pledge has never been met, and in Minnesota, special education programs currently receive as little as 8% per pupil. Stauber has cosponsored the IDEA Full Funding Act to require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending over ten years until it hits 40%.

Of this legislation, Stauber stated, “For too long, the federal government has fallen short of its funding commitment to students with special needs, forcing schools to subsidize rising special education costs with general education funds. This leaves every student at a disadvantage. As the parent of a child with special needs, I am proud to continue the fight to ensure Congress fulfills its promise to our special needs students and their parents, so our educators can strengthen special education services while meeting the needs of every American student."

This bill is co-led in the House by Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02), Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). 

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