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Conference Report on H.R. 1350, Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004

Date: Nov. 19, 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Education


CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1350, INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2004 -- (House of Representatives - November 19, 2004)

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Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, the Reauthorization of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act conference report is an improvement on the current program. I have been committed to fulfilling the Federal Government's promise of funding at least 40 percent of the IDEA program like it was intended during its enactment in 1975. Even though this bill does not immediately do that, it will by 2011. I am glad Congress was able to work in a bipartisan manner for our children's future. I hope we all keep faith with the spirit of this legislation.

This legislation contains new opportunities to make the program work better for students, parents, teachers, and schools. It provides opportunities for parents and schools to address concerns before the need for due process hearings and fosters parental involvement in an Individual Education Plan. The conference report also provides quality service and instruction at all stages, from early childhood through high school.

Now it is up to the future Congresses to live up to the promises of this legislation and provide the funding to fulfill these programs.

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