FEDERAL FUNDS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

WHEREAS, the federal budget is now generating surpluses for the first time in 40 years; and

WHEREAS, President Clinton has indicated his strong support for improved funding for education initiatives; and

WHEREAS, many conservative federal legislators constantly complain about government mandates and promote state block grants; and

WHEREAS, such legislators have consistently refused to fund P.L. 94-142 (Education for Handicapped Children Act); and

WHEREAS, such federal funding would release significant amounts of state revenues for use in our city schools and poorer rural communities:

RESOLVED, that AFT redouble its efforts to get increased funding for federal special education mandates.