Rep. Craig Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Fully Fund Special Education Programs

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Angie Craig (D-MN) co-introduced the bipartisan IDEA Full Funding Act, which would finally ensure Congress fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  

The bill was co-introduced by Reps. Jared Huffman (D-CA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Glenn Thompson (R-PA) Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Janelle Bynum (D-OR), Don Bacon (R-NE), Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and Mike Bost (R-IL).  

Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. 

In 1975, Congress passed IDEA to ensure that every child with a disability has access to a quality education that meets their needs. This law was a historic step forward, but since its passage, Congress has failed to provide the funding it promised. 

The IDEA Full Funding Act would ensure the federal government funds special education at the full 40% per student required under the law. Currently, special education programs are funded at less than 13% per student nationwide. 

“As the mother of a child who benefited from special education, I know firsthand just how lifechanging these programs can be for Minnesota students and their families,” said Rep. Craig. “I’m proud to be co-leading this bipartisan legislation to fully fund special education programs and ensure our special educators and paraprofessionals have the resources they need to keep up this critical work.”   

Since she came to Congress, Rep. Craig has been a strong advocate for Minnesota’s special education programs – consistently leading legislation to fully fund IDEA.  

This year, Rep. Craig brought together special educators, paraprofessionals and parents from Minnesota’s Congressional District to form her inaugural Special Education Advisory Council.  

In a show of support for Minnesota’s educators and in opposition to the Administration’s proposed cuts to education funding, Rep. Craig invited Education Minnesota President Denise Specht as her guest to this year’s State of the Union. And in 2023, she brought Heather Mathews, a special education teacher from Apple Valley.  

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