Washington- U.S. Congressman Sam Graves came within 11 votes today of passing his amendment to the Labor-Health and Human Services Appropriations bill that would have increased funding for special education by $125 million. The increase would have been offset by reducing the increase to the Global Fund by the same amount.

 

“We were sent here to make difficult choices,” said Graves. “I believe adequately funding our schools should be a top priority.”

 

The Federal Government currently covers less than 20 percent of the special education costs that school districts incur to comply with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

 

“Instead of sending money overseas, we should invest in our future,” said Graves. “Taxpayers expect their dollars to be spent wisely and this amendment recognizes their priorities.”

 

The Graves amendment would have allowed an increase to the Global Fund of $1 million dollars for a total of $725 million in Fiscal Year 2008. The amendment was supported by the National School Boards Association (NSBA), the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

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