With Federal Approval, States Cut Special Education Spending

[The Straight Story]

With Federal Approval, States Cut Special Education Spending

In what’s believed to be a first-of-its-kind move, federal education officials recently granted waivers to at least two states allowing them to scale back special education funding.

The one-year waivers — which the Department of Education is permitted to authorize under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in “exceptional or uncontrollable circumstances” — were granted to Iowa and Kansas. South Carolina officials are also requesting a waiver.

Special education is generally considered untouchable even during lean times since states face penalties for docking such funding from one year to the next. But a waiver allows states to cut spending without ramifications.

For Iowa, gaining a waiver means the state will be relieved of about $38 million in obligations. Most communities are expected to increase property taxes to make up for the shortfall in education funds.

http://www.disabilityscoop.com/2010/06/15/sped-funding-waivers/9073/

[FrenchieCat]

1. Could it be because the Feds will pay it in their stead?

[jillan]

2. NOooooooo!!!

:cry:

The government - usually state gov'ts - always take from the Special Needs population. I think they feel that they can get away with it because this population will not make too much noise. EXCEPT they have advocates like myself that will fight for them.

Az tried to cut benefits for the disabled population, but they didn't do it at the end.

It's a constant fight - and it sucks.