Legislation would commit to finally fulfill the federal government’s unmet promise 50 years after the passage of IDEA
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) helped reintroduce the IDEA Full Funding Act, legislation to ensure that Congress finally fulfills its commitment to fully fund 40 percent of costs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Fifty years ago, Congress passed IDEA to ensure that every child with a disability has access to public education. This law was a historic step forward, but since its passage, Congress has failed to provide the funding that it promised. The legislation is cosponsored by more than 30 members in the Senate and more than 60 members in the House of Representatives and is endorsed by 60 organizations. The legislation is especially critical as the Trump Administration attacks the Department of Education and its work to support students with disabilities.
“IDEA funding makes a difference for families across New Hampshire by helping fund the support and resources that allow students with disabilities to succeed academically and thrive,” said Senator Hassan. “I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to fulfill our decades-old promise to fully fund IDEA, ensuring that children with disabilities receive a quality public education. This legislation is one of the many things that the Trump Administration could focus on instead of its efforts to dismantle the Department of Education and threaten access to public education for all students.”
Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per-pupil expenditure for special education; however, that pledge has never been met. According to the Congressional Research Service, current funding is at less than 12 percent, and the IDEA shortfall in the 2024-2025 school year nationwide was $38.66 billion. IDEA currently provides more than $57 million to New Hampshire schools through the IDEA Grants to States program to help fund the education of children ages three through 21. New Hampshire has 31,000 students with disabilities – reflecting 17% of New Hampshire’s student population. Under full funding, New Hampshire alone would have received an additional $153 million in funding this year to support students with disabilities. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools.
The full text of the bill can be viewed here.
This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of more than 50 national organizations, including The School Superintendent Association (AASA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Occupational Therapy Association, Assistive Technology Industry Association, Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Autism Society of America, Center for Learner Equity, Council for Exceptional Children, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Education Association, and The Arc of the United States.
Senator Hassan is leading efforts to ensure that individuals who experience disabilities receive the support that they need to be fully included in their communities. Senator Hassan helped pass into law bipartisan legislation to support autism education, research, and resources. Senator Hassan also helped secure funding to help families of children experiencing disabilities navigate the special education process and better access the resources available for children experiencing disabilities as part of a bipartisan government funding package.
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