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SAN JOSE – Last Friday, constituents from Assembly Districts 23 and 24, school officials and local advocates for the Special Education program met with Assembly members Joe Coto(D-AD 23) and Jim Beall, Jr.(D-AD 24), to discuss their concerns regarding the proposed budget cuts and their impact on the Special Education Program.
Both legislators provided updates on the current and proposed state budgets and they discussed legislation impacting special education. After their comments, a representative from Congressman Mike Honda’s office provided an update on federal education issues and the Santa Clara County 6th District PTA President discussed strategies for advocating effectively. Several representatives from SELPA also spoke and provided information on legislation they are monitoring and concerns they have about the budget reductions.
Participants were then provided an opportunity to discuss their concerns and recommendations. Comments included ideas such as: pass legislation that requires insurance companies to accept autism as a medical condition; determine what is appropriate funding for special education; rework the IEP and implement a universal IEP that has a classroom focus; eliminate duplication of services and paperwork; and put money into pre-school, because the earlier children are identified with learning disabilities, the better the chances are of addressing the problems and getting the child mainstreamed.
“With the difficult policy and budget debates currently taking place in the State Capitol, it is imperative that we hear the concerns and recommendations of our community,” said Coto.
For a copy of the booklet provided to the participants and the comments and recommendations made at the forum click here:
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