When IDEA was first created in 1975, Congress authorized funding for the federal share at 40 percent of the national average per pupil expenditure. But currently, IDEA Part B funding represents only half of that amount.
"I'm disappointed with the vote today, but remain encouraged that the effort still has strong support," said Senator Collins. "I will continue to lead the fight on IDEA funding. We must fulfill the promise the federal government made to support our schools with additional special education funding, to ensure that all children in the U.S. have access to quality public education, and to give special education students the tools they need to succeed."
IDEA is based on the principle that all disabled children are entitled to a free and appropriate public education, and that these children should be educated alongside their peers to the maximum extent possible.
The Collins amendment proposed mandatory funding increases of $2.2 billion each year for the next six years to reach full funding by 2010. Under this proposal, Maine would receive a total of $922 million in IDEA Part B funding over the next ten fiscal years.
"Over the years, this shortfall in IDEA funding has placed a tremendous financial strain on communities in providing these services, and in particular, on small rural towns, such as those in Maine." said Senator Collins. "Full funding of the federal share of IDEA is long overdue and would help every school district in Maine and across the country."
Senator Collins has consistently supported efforts to fully fund the federal share of IDEA. This past fall, the Senate approved legislation that she cosponsored to increase total funding for IDEA by $2.2 billion.