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SJM 8007

Requesting Congress to fully fund 40 percent of the costs of IDEA.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Hasegawa and 2 co-sponsors

Washington requests Congress increase federal IDEA education funding from 14% to 40% of implementation costs to reduce state school district financial burden.

Filed with Secretary of State.
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Bill Summary · SJM 8007

Legislative bill overview

SJM 8007 is a joint memorial from Washington state requesting that Congress increase federal funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to cover 40 percent of implementation costs. Currently, the federal government funds approximately 14-15 percent of IDEA costs, leaving states and school districts to cover the remainder. This resolution advocates for fulfilling a promise made when IDEA was enacted in 1975.

Why is this important

IDEA requires schools to provide free, appropriate public education to students with disabilities, but underfunding forces states to allocate substantial general education budgets toward special education services. Increased federal funding would reduce financial pressure on state budgets and potentially improve special education services nationwide. This issue affects millions of students with disabilities and impacts school district fiscal planning across all states.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal budget implications: Increasing IDEA funding to 40 percent represents significant federal spending that would require Congressional appropriation decisions amid competing budget priorities
  • State autonomy concerns: Some may view federal education funding mandates as federal overreach into traditionally state-controlled education systems
  • Implementation feasibility: Congress has historically resisted fully funding IDEA at promised levels; this memorial's effectiveness depends on sustained political will and competing fiscal priorities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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