Dear Lynne Strickland,

Today, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) into law — often referred to as the "economic stimulus" bill.  Included in the $787 billion bill is the largest one-time boost to the programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education including IDEA, Title I and Pell Grants. 

I'm writing today to thank you for your support to positively influence the final outcome of the IDEA funding provisions as well as provide a brief summary of the bill.

The National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) is pleased to report that thanks to our advocacy efforts, including your phone calls to Capitol Hill, Chairman George Miller, Chairman David Obey, Chairman Edward Kennedy and Chairman Tom Harkin have listened and exercised great leadership and commitment to our kids. 

The final bill does not include the provision proposed in the Senate version that would have allowed governors to ask the U.S. Secretary of Education to fully waive both the "Supplement not Supplant" and the "Maintenance of Effort" requirements that are built into the federal laws governing and protecting the use of IDEA and Title I federal funds.  

There is, however, flexibility provided in the final bill governing how stimulus funds can be used for education purposes, as well as provisions in current IDEA law that allow states and local school districts to make the critical decisions to both serve students while protecting school personnel and strengthening budgets.

The details of the interaction between the stimulus bill and current IDEA law are still under review. However, we do know that this unprecedented infusion of federal funding for education including in the stimulus package will require a new level of vigilance from advocates to ensure these one-time federal funds are, in fact, used to help students. NCLD has provided a brief summary of the AARA and will continue to update you as we learn more. 

On behalf of the 2.5 million students with learning disabilities and the professionals who work with them, NCLD appreciates your continued support. 

Sincerely,

Laura Kaloi
Public Policy Director
National Center for Learning Disabilities