The IDEA Full Funding ActBill Description: Senator John Fetterman has joined Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Jared Huffman in reintroducing the IDEA Full Funding Act, a bill aimed at fulfilling Congress’s long-standing commitment to fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at the promised 40% level. Since IDEA’s passage 50 years ago, Congress has consistently underfunded the mandate, currently contributing less than 12% of the needed funds. In the 2024–2025 school year alone, this shortfall amounted to nearly $39 billion nationwide. The legislation, supported by a bipartisan group of over 90 lawmakers and endorsed by more than 60 national organizations, would mandate regular increases to finally meet the 40% funding target and ensure equitable education opportunities for students with disabilities.Why Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) Support This Legislation:Speech-language pathologists are key service providers under IDEA, working directly with students who have speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. These services are essential for enabling students to access and succeed in the classroom. Chronic underfunding of IDEA limits schools’ ability to hire and retain qualified SLPs, provide appropriate caseload sizes, and invest in evidence-based therapies and technology. Full funding would empower SLPs to deliver individualized services as mandated by students’ IEPs, reduce burnout, and ensure that children receive timely and comprehensive support. SLPs firmly support this legislation because it aligns with their mission to help all students—regardless of ability—communicate, learn, and thrive.Visit our website:https://psha.org/working-in-pa/advocacy/take-action/ to read the bill, our letter of support, and for a sample script to send to Senator Fetterman. ... See MoreSee Less
Call to Action: IDEA Full Funding ActSpeech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are urging Senator McCormick to cosponsor the IDEA Full Funding Act because underfunding directly affects their ability to provide essential services to students with disabilities. Without adequate federal support, schools struggle to hire and retain qualified SLPs, leading to larger caseloads and limited access to individualized care. Fully funding IDEA would help ensure students receive the communication support they need to thrive academically and socially.Bill Description: The IDEA Full Funding Act seeks to fulfill Congress’s promise to fund 40% of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). For 50 years, Congress has fallen short, now covering less than 12%, with a $39 billion gap in the 2024–2025 school year alone. Backed by over 90 bipartisan lawmakers and 60+ national groups, the bill would mandate funding increases to reach the 40% goal and support equitable education for students with disabilities.Visit our website:https://psha.org/working-in-pa/advocacy/take-action/ to read the bill and for a sample script to send to Senator McCormick! ... See MoreSee Less
