Disability Funding in the New Spending Bill
- Justin Borses
- Mar 18, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: May 5, 2022
NORTHRIDGE, CA- President Biden signed a 1.5 trillion-dollar spending bill earlier this week in Washington. 14.5 billion dollars will be going to special education, an increase that is welcomed by advocacy groups. Kim Musheno is Vice President of Public Policy at the Autism Society of America. She says that it’s so important because of the effects it could have on schools across the country.
The spending bill that was signed earlier this week includes a large lift in funding for people with disabilities. 14.5 billion will be going to special education departments across the country. Home and community services get six million and Down Syndrome research gets an additional ten million.
Musheno is grateful for the help coming their way, “This avoided a year-long continuing resolution at level-funding which would have been devastating for people with autism and other disabilities.”
There are still concerns that need to be addressed. Both branches passed different versions of the bill. The U.S. House of Representatives had a provision that would’ve increased special ed staff and personnel. It was cut from the final version in the Senate amid compromises.
Most programs are being given less than what was originally asked for. The President’s budget request even planned to give departments more, but the Senate is currently tied in representative count for each party.
Musheno continues, “The stalled Build Back Better Act means that there continues to be significant unmet needs for people with autism and their families.” This bill in comparison to those in years past represents only a marginal increase.
Ad Link:
Officials at the School Superintendents Association say that the overall perspective is less promising. If the American Rescue Plan is taken into account, it still means cuts are made in comparison to that legislation. Additional Covid aid was left out altogether, even though it was pushed by the White House.
Insert Audio: Disability Funding Across the Nation is Getting a Much Needed Boost
By, Justin Borses
Contributions, Disability Scoop
Photo, New York Times
Audio, Justin Borses
EDUCATE YOURSELF
Comments