NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.
Public schools across the nation provide special education services to more than 7.5 million students with disabilities—about 15 percent of all public school students.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act reflects the federal government’s commitment to provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities and pay 40 percent of the additional cost, but that commitment remains unfulfilled.
The federal share of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has fallen to less than 16 percent.
Help all students get the support and tools they need for learning.
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NEA urges representatives to VOTE NO on FY2025 budget resolution
Submitted on April 8, 2025
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VOTE NO on Linda McMahon for Secretary of Education
Submitted on February 19, 2025
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Oppose Linda McMahon as Secretary of Education
Submitted on February 12, 2025
Bills in Congress
Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
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Support
S 1277 IDEA Full Funding Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on April 3, 2025
This bill would ensure that no matter the zip code, students with disabilities have equal access to a well-rounded, high-quality public education, by committing Congress to finally fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
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Support
HR 2598 IDEA Full Funding Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on April 2, 2025
This bill would ensure that no matter the zip code, students with disabilities have equal access to a well-rounded, high-quality public education, by committing Congress to finally fulfills its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
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Support
S 745 Empowering Families in Special Education Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on February 26, 2025
This bill would amend the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to require notification with respect to individualized education program teams, and for other purposes.
Key Facts About Funding IDEA
14%
40%
13%
$23.6 billion
A burden on local communities
A History of Progress
1973
1975
1990
Downloads
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