A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE PRESIDENT AND CONGRESS TO FULLY FUND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S SHARE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES IN PUBLIC ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE UNITED STATES UNDER THE FEDERAL INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT.

WHEREAS, since its enactment in 1975, the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has helped millions of children with special needs receive a quality education and develop to their full capacities; and

WHEREAS, the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has moved children with disabilities out of institutions and into public school classrooms with their peers; and

WHEREAS, the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act has helped break down stereotypes and dispel ignorance about people with disabilities, thus improving the quality of life and economic opportunity for millions of Americans; and

WHEREAS, when the federal government enacted the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, it promised to fund up to forty percent of the average per special needs pupil expenditure in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the federal government currently funds, on average, less than fourteen percent of the average per special needs pupil expenditure in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States; and

WHEREAS, local school districts and state government end up bearing the largest share of the cost of special education services; and

WHEREAS, the federal government's failure to adequately fulfill its responsibility to special needs children undermines public support for special education and creates hardship for disabled children and their families;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the president and congress be urged to fund forty percent of the average per special needs pupil expenditure in public elementary and secondary schools in the United States as promised under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to ensure that all children, regardless of disability, receive a quality education and are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be sent to the president of the United States, the speaker of the house of representatives of the United States, the president of the United States senate and the members of the New Mexico congressional delegation.