SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 57

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: MAY 13, 2004

      The Senate Education Committee reports favorably Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 57.

      This resolution urges the President and Congress of the United States to fully fund their commitment to provide 40% of the national average educational cost per pupil for the purpose of special education programs. Since the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act's inception in 1975, the federal government has never funded more than 15% of this cost. Education costs and demand for special education services have risen rapidly in the recent past. Additionally, the federal government has established a policy of providing funding for all mandated activities, such as special education services. This resolution urges the federal government to honor its commitments with respect to the funding of special education.