Stauber and Craig Continue to Push for Special Education Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) and Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02) continued their bipartisan push for the federal government to meet its obligation to fully fund special education for Minnesota schools. The two introduced an amendment to a House spending package stressing the importance of state grants under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA, the federal government is required to fund special education up to 40% per pupil. Special education programs in Minnesota currently receive as little as 8%. Congressman Stauber and Congresswoman Craig have cosponsored the IDEA Full Funding Act, which would ensure the federal government meets its funding obligation for Minnesota students.

"The federal government's broken promise to students with special needs negatively impacts every student in Minnesota because schools are forced to subsidize rising special education costs with general education funds," said Congressman Stauber. "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 student."

"As the wife of an educator and the daughter of a teacher, I know that there is no replacement for a high-quality education," said Congresswoman Craig. "I'm proud to be continuing to work across the aisle to ensure every student has the resources they need to succeed, because when all of our students have the opportunity to be successful, all of our communities are stronger."

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