MI HR0231

Federal government currently pays only 15 percent of special education costs, down from 33 percent in 2009, despite a 1975 congressional commitment to fund 40 percent of excess costs for educating children with disabilities.

Michigan faces approximately $700 million special education funding shortfall (22 percent of total special education costs), with funding decreasing 16 percent between 2011-12 and 2015-16 while special education service costs rose 60 percent between 2000 and 2010.

States and local school districts forced to cover federal funding shortfall from general education funds, reducing per-pupil funding available to all students.

Urges Congress and the federal government to fulfill its full financial obligation under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for educating children with disabilities.

Directs transmission of resolution to President, Vice President, U.S. House Speaker, Michigan congressional delegation, Secretary of Education, and President of the United States.