S.1277 - IDEA Full Funding Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1277, the IDEA Full Funding Act, aims to amend Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to provide full federal funding. The bill outlines a schedule of increasing appropriations from fiscal year 2026 through 2035 and subsequent years. These appropriations are intended to cover special education and related services for children with disabilities aged 3 through 21.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would significantly increase federal funding for IDEA, potentially alleviating the financial burden on state and local governments. This could lead to improved resources and services for students with disabilities. The increased funding is tied to the number of children with disabilities and the average per-pupil expenditure in public schools.
Potential Benefits
- Increased funding for special education programs.
- Reduced financial burden on state and local governments.
- Improved resources and services for students with disabilities.
- Greater equity in educational opportunities for children with disabilities.
- Predictable and stable funding stream for IDEA programs.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased federal spending, potentially contributing to the national debt.
- Potential for inefficient allocation of funds if not properly managed.
- Dependence on federal funding, which could be subject to future political changes.
- Possible administrative challenges in distributing and managing the increased funds.
- The bill does not address potential issues with the effectiveness of current IDEA programs, only the funding levels.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause (Preamble) by promoting education and opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Congress has the power to tax and spend for the general welfare, as established in Article I, Section 8. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but this bill does not infringe on state powers as it provides funding for a specific purpose, allowing states to choose whether or not to accept the funds and implement the associated programs.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).