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*For Immediate Release:    *     
March 22, 2023
          
*Contact:    *     
Cassie Nichols
[email protected]

ICYMI: Governor Kelly, Bipartisan Legislative Leadership Call on Congress to Provide Federal Funding for Special Education

"~~Governor continues to prioritize special education after proposing $72 million funding increase in 2023 budget~~"

*KEY QUOTE: *"“I’m proud of the work we’ve done here in Kansas to fully fund our public schools. But special education is still not fully funded, in part because our partners in Washington have not delivered the federal funding they promised for special education services,” *said Governor Laura Kelly. *“Now, I’m joining our Legislative leaders in calling on Congress to fulfill its promise and to do better by our students, parents, and teachers.”"

*Kelly, bipartisan group of Kansas legislators urge Congress to boost aid for special education* [ [link removed] ] 
*"Tim Carpenter, Kansas Reflector"* 
March 16, 2023 


* Gov. Laura Kelly and the Legislature’s Republican and Democratic leadership appealed Thursday to Congress for increased federal appropriations to special education programs and for adherence to financial commitments made decades ago to the states. 

* The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act required the federal government to fund up to 40% of a state’s average per-pupil expenditure on special education. Congress never met that target, leaving federal aid to states for special education hovering around 15% of average cost. 

* “Congress has failed to provide Kansas schools hundreds of millions of dollars its promised for special education,” said House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Republican from Wichita. “We hope to send a clear message that Kansas leadership is aligned in supporting our delegation in Congress and all efforts to fulfill the promise made to our kids.” 

* Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, said Congress ought to hold up its end of a financial bargain with states so students weren’t left behind. She said federal underfunding of special education “made it harder for students and teachers in the classroom.” 

* “Kansas kids and teachers need this funding, long story short,” said House Minority Leader Vic Miller, D-Topeka. “We can only do so much at the state level, and without cooperation from Congress, our efforts are needlessly stunted.” 

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