House Concurrent Resolution 99

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE MEMBERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO EXERT THEIR EFFORTS IN URGING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION FROM AN AVERAGE FEDERAL SHARE OF 18% NATIONWIDE TO THE 40% LEVEL AUTHORIZED BY THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, the prosperity and well-being of the individual, the family, the state and nation are dependent on the skill and productive capacity of the individual; and

WHEREAS, special education develops an array of skills and increases productive capacity of students with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, there are schools in Mississippi as well as in other states with many underachieving special education students; and

WHEREAS, improvements in special education services are necessary so that all Mississippians who need it and can profit by it might have the opportunity to receive an appropriate level of education to achieve a more productive life; and

WHEREAS, state and local educational agencies are mandated by federal law to provide a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities; and

WHEREAS, state and local school districts struggle with the cost of providing services to students with disabilities, and meeting those costs require a strong partnership between local, state and federal government; and

WHEREAS, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1990, known as IDEA, authorizes for Part B, an appropriation of up to 40% annually and less than 18% is currently being appropriated annually; and

WHEREAS, according to the FY 2004 figures, Mississippi's allocation is nearly $104 million from Congress for Part B services under IDEA; had Congress fully funded at the 40% level, Mississippi's allocation would have exceeded $200 million, thereby providing additional funding improving the quality and range of special education services:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the members of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation for their support given to special education in the past and urge their continued support and efforts to obtain the full appropriation of 40% authorized under the provision of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act within a two-year period.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be instructed to immediately make available a certified copy of this resolution to each member of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation, a copy be furnished to the State Board of Education, the State Superintendent of Education and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.