CEC Policy Insider

Is the Government Heading for a Shutdown?

Although Congress has been on recess this week, budget discussions still continue on Capitol Hill as policymakers inch closer to the looming March 4^th deadline which will determine if the federal government will continue running or face a shutdown. 

Talk of a shutdown was prompted by the House of Representatives passage of a funding measure which would eliminate over $60 billion in federal spending (a $100 billion decrease when compared to the President’s proposed budget) last Saturday.  The House bill originally sought to eliminate $557 million from IDEA funding which was restored through an amendment by Rep. McMorris-Rodgers (R-WA), paid for by using money from other education programs. In total, the House passed bill eliminates $10 billion in education programs.

The Senate Democratic leadership has rejected the House passed bill and has called on the Speaker of the House, John Boehner to compromise.  The Senate is still drafting its own version of the bill which will be released next week and is expected to look very different than the House version. 

The question is whether the two chambers – the House and the Senate – can come up with a short term or long term solution prior to the March 4^th deadline.  If not, the federal government will shut down for the first time since 1996.  Stay tuned!

CEC Opposes House Funding Bill Despite Restoration of Funding to IDEA: Proposed $557 million cut to IDEA restored by funding from other education programs

Statement by Deborah Ziegler, Associate Executive Director, Policy and Advocacy Services The Council for Exceptional Children

The Council for Exceptional Children – on behalf of its members who serve on the frontline of education – opposes the passage of H.R. 1, the Continuing Resolution to fund federal programs, by the House of Representatives on Saturday.

This shortsighted legislation cuts billions of dollars from education programs – under the guise of fiscal responsibility – that will only result in undermining the academic achievement of our nation’s students and putting the success of our future workforce at risk.

The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation Public Policy Fellowship Program 2011-2012

The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation announces it is now accepting applications for its distinguished one-year Public Policy Fellowship in Washington, D.C. Fellows participate actively in public policy development in the offices of Members of Congress, Congressional Committees, or federal offices.

The Foundation is looking for talented individuals who are currently working or volunteering in the field of inclusive services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  This is a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in the development of public policy and the political process.  Fellows will also participate in an advocacy training workshop, national disability policy seminars, and the intensive week-long Bioethics course at Georgetown University Kennedy Institute of Ethics. 

This year promises to be an exciting time with multiple issues before the new Congress and the Administration, such as the Rehabilitation Act, the Workforce Investment Act, the Developmental Disabilities Act, and the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

The Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation has supported the creation of practical programs to benefit persons with intellectual disabilities, their families and their communities since 1946. Former Fellows have described the Fellowship as a major turning point in their personal and professional lives. If you wish to become one of the future leaders in the field of inclusive community, you can find out more about the application process here.

Cuts to IDEA Possibly Restored, But At What Cost?

The House of Representatives is debating H.R. 1, the continuing resolution to fund the government through September of this year, the end of the federal fiscal year. Before today, this bill would have cut $557.7 million dollars from IDEA Part B Grants to States. Today, the House passed an amendment to restore this funding to IDEA – essentially level funding IDEA Part B Grants to States at its FY10 amount.

Unfortunately, to pay for this restoration of funds, the House further cut education. To pay for this move, the House voted to: (1) further cut ESEA Title I - specifically from School Improvement Grants, monies which go to the neediest of schools; and (2) to ESEA Title II Teacher Quality Grants – designed to increase capacity in the teaching workforce. Although IDEA may now get these dollars depending on what happens at the end of this rollercoaster ride, the cuts will negatively impact other programs and could mean layoffs and further increase in class size.

Because the money to fund IDEA is being taken from other education programs, CEC does not support this amendment. As two long time advocates for full funding of IDEA and students with disabilities – George Miller (CA) and Rosa DeLauro (CT) – stated when they opposed the amendment today on the House floor, these cuts represent a simple scenario – Robbing Peter to Pay Paul. The reality is that 60% of students with disabilities spend 80% or more of their day in general education classrooms. Thus, CEC continues to ask you to contact your representatives and let them know that all cuts to the education budget are not acceptable.

Congress’ Budget? The President’s Budget? What’s Going on in Washington and What Will the Impact Be on Special/Gifted Education?

The House of Representatives is debating the largest funding cuts to education in history, including slashing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by over $500 million.  The President just released his budget asking Congress to increase IDEA funding by $250 million.  What is going on in Washington, DC?

In a typical year, the budgeting process in Washington can be confusing.  Now factor in that Congress is addressing both fiscal year 2011 and 2012 simultaneously, and the President released his budget on Monday and you’ll need a map to navigate your way through the process. 

Since CEC has been closely following the budget process and has recently issued an action alert to the entire CEC membership, we thought it would be useful to explain where we are in the process and how we got here.  It’s a rollercoaster, so get ready!