Reps. Huffman, DeSaulnier, & Barragán Introduce IDEA High Cost Pool Funding Act

May 30, 2018

Washington, D.C.- Representatives Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord), and Nanette Barragán (D-San Pedro) today introduced the IDEA High Cost Pool Funding Act, innovative legislation to help cover the exceptional costs that can be associated with educating high-need children.

This legislation builds on the historic assurance of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the civil rights law known as IDEA, that every child with disabilities must be given the opportunity to reach his or her full potential. The IDEA High Cost Pool Funding Act authorizes additional federal funding to help keep the law's promise, providing support to states that set up 'pools' to help reimburse local schools for special educational services that are three times or more the average per pupil expenditure.

'A top-rate education is the key to success for many children, allowing them to reach their full potential and live meaningful lives,' said Rep. Huffman. 'But unfortunately, Congress has failed to deliver on the promises of the IDEA to provide our schools and teachers with the funding they need so that all children have the educational services and resources they need to excel. The IDEA High Cost Pool Funding Act will authorize a federal partnership for those states who create high-risk pools to ensure that our schools are properly reimbursed for those services that come with exceptional costs.'

Reps. Huffman and Barragán, along with the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Bobby Scott (D-Newport News) today convened roundtables at schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District and Compton Unified School District to highlight the importance of fully funding IDEA.