FEDERAL FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

WHEREAS, children with handicaps and special needs are entitled to a quality education; and

WHEREAS, Public Law 94-142 mandates an appropriate individual education in "the least-restrictive environment" for all special education students; and

WHEREAS, the current fiscal crisis is causing many states, including New York, to modify mandated services to children with handicaps; and

WHEREAS, local property tax revolts have resulted in pressure to reduce the costs of special education:

RESOLVED, that AFT, in conjunction with NEA and AFL-CIO, make a major political and public relations effort to get full federal funding for all programs required by PL 94-142.