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.