Crapo Hails Idea Reauthorization

Washington, DC â?? President Bush signed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) today, an action lauded by Idaho Senator Mike Crapo. â??Reauthorization of this important legislation reiterates the federal governmentâ??s commitment to ensuring that children with disabilities have an opportunity for equal educational benefits,â?? said Crapo. â??This reauthorization contains provisions aimed at encouraging positive intervention for children with behavioral challenges and will contribute to a more positive, productive learning environment.â?? The law signed by the President today reauthorizes IDEA through 2010. The Act establishes a seven-year path to reach the 40 percent funding goal called for in the original 1975 law. That law requires the federal government to fund 40 percent of a stateâ??s additional cost involved in educating disabled children. It also ensures that individualized education programs contain positive support structures for children whose behavior impedes their learning or the learning of others. # # #