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| Rep. Tammy Baldwin updates her constituents about Congress'
actions related to education funding. |
U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin met with over 50 parents, teachers, school
administrators, union representatives and school board members from 15
school districts in the 2nd Congressional District in October to discuss the
issues around federal funding for special education. Baldwin explained that
Congress has limited its ability to pay for mandated special education
programs and services due to federal law that requires more budget cuts
despite the burgeoning surplus.
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| Madison parent Robyn Silber describes her family's experience with
special education programs, and the pressing need for more resources to help
teachers and staff deliver mandated services and programs. |
A modest increase in federal special education funding is anticipated, but
it will be far short of the 40% reimbursement level promised to states when
special education laws were passed in the mid-1970s. Wisconsin was
reimbursed for special education programs by the federal government less
than five percent last year - which translates to a $17 million shortfall
for the Madison schools.
Baldwin said members of Congress need to hear from their constituents. "When
there truly is a groundswell, when there truly is a voice from the people
saying, 'You've got to do this,' it does happen." Even though Baldwin
supports 40 percent federal reimbursement for special education programs,
she urged her constituents to contact her with their views and experiences
related to the issue. Rep. Baldwin can be reached at: Suite 1020 Longworth
House Office Building, Washington D.C. 20515. Her district office phone
number is (608) 258-9800.
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| Madison school board member Ruth Robarts tells Rep. Baldwin that
because the state and federal governments have reneged on their obligation
to pay for special education programs, parents of regular and special
education are being pitted against each other vying for dwindling resources. |
2001-03 Biennial State Budget
