Senate Concurrent Resolution 535

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION REQUESTING THE MEMBERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO EXERT THEIR EFFORTS IN THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION TO THE 40% LEVEL AUTHORIZED BY THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT.

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 requires 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 percent annually and less than 19 percent is currently being appropriated annually; and

WHEREAS, according to FFY 2004 figures, Mississippi's allocation is nearly $105 Million from Congress for Part B services under IDEA, had Congress fully funded at the 40 percent 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 SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That

we commend the members of our Mississippi Delegation in the United States Congress for the support they have given special education in the past and urge them to continue their support and exert their efforts to obtain the full appropriation of 40 percent authorized under the provisions 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 Delegation in the United States Congress. That a copy be made available to the State Board of Education, the State Superintendent of Education and the Capitol Press Corps.