Van Hollen, Lee Introduce Bill to Fully Fund Title I, Special Education

U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-Nev.) have reintroduced their Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act, legislation to put Congress on a fiscally responsible path to fully fund Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on a mandatory basis. These programs, which support public education for children in low-income areas and education for individuals with learning disabilities, respectively, have been chronically underfunded since their inception, leaving our public schools, students, and teachers at a disadvantage. Van Hollen has introduced the Keep Our PACT Act every term he has served in Congress. Van Hollen and Lee were joined in introducing the legislation by Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Martin  Heinrich (D-N.M.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).

“Every child – no matter their zip code – deserves access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed. But too many children still don’t have that opportunity because the federal government has never lived up to its commitment to fully fund Title I and IDEA – the federal programs designed to keep our promise to all students, including those facing the greatest challenges. The Keep Our PACT Act will ensure the federal government finally makes good on its obligation to invest in a first-rate education for all our students,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“Education is the key to opportunity, which is why I've spent my career working to help Nevada students achieve their highest potential,” said Congresswoman Lee. “Fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Title I will provide school districts across the country, including in Clark County, with the resources they need to strengthen opportunities for all students, regardless of their needs or what zip code they live in.”

The Keep Our PACT Act is supported by education, civil rights, and disability rights organizations nationwide, including the National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools (AROS), National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Council of the Great City Schools (CGCS), National School Board Association, Journey For Justice (J4J), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), First Focus Campaign for Children, National Urban League, Council for Exceptional Education (CEC), National PTA, AFT-Maryland, Maryland State Education Association (MSEA), Public School Superintendents' Association of Maryland (PSSAM), Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP), and Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP).

Title I, which gives assistance to America’s highest-need schools, is a critical tool to ensure that every child, no matter their zip code, has access to a quality education. However, it has been deeply underfunded, disadvantaging the most vulnerable students. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Title I funding gap for school year 2024-2025 was $35.9 billion. Maryland alone was shortchanged by $647.2 million.

Similarly, IDEA calls on the federal government to fund 40 percent of the cost of special education, but Congress has never fully funded the law. According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), IDEA state grants are funded at less than 12 percent. In the state of Maryland, IDEA was underfunded by $671.6 million in the 2024-2025 school year alone.

The Keep Our PACT Act would create a 10-year mandatory glide path to fully fund both Title I and IDEA, ensuring that education is a priority in the federal budget. If this legislation had been in effect for the 2024-2025 school year, Maryland would have received a $647 million funding increase from Title I, and a $672 million increase from IDEA, for an overall total of more than $1.3 billion.

Bill text is available here.

“Most Americans believe that every student deserves opportunity, resources, and support to reach their full potential no matter where they live, how much their family earns, or their disability status. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, too many of our students with disabilities still don’t have access to the resources and learning opportunities they need and deserve. That is why on behalf of America’s educators, the National Education Association is proud to once again endorse the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children’s and Teachers Act which fully funds the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This legislation ensures that all students, including those with disabilities, have equal access to a well-rounded, high-quality public education,” said National Education Association President Becky Pringle.

“Americans know the importance of funding public education; they made that clear in November when they rejected voucher bills in red and blue states alike. They also know that the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Title I—the mechanisms that fund the schools most in need and ensure children with learning differences can still access a public education—are priorities. The Keep Our Promise to America's Children and Teachers (Keep Our PACT) Act would put us on a path to fully funding IDEA and Title I, a commitment that voters have been clear they want to keep. Communities across the country have told us they want more resources for public schools, not less, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Rep. Susie Lee share that commitment; this bill would fulfill the promise of public education for everyone—the strivers and the strugglers—regardless of income, ZIP code or ability,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten.

“Our country has been made better and stronger through public education. Current efforts to roll back educational opportunity for disadvantaged children are a radical departure from core American values. The NAACP supports Senator Van Hollen’s bill, Keep Our PACT. Fully funding Title I, ESEA and IDEA is critical to supporting the potential of all children through free, high-quality, and appropriate public education,” said Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO.

“The federal government can help fulfill its commitment to our most vulnerable student populations and their schools by fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Title I. NAESP is pleased to endorse the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers Act (PACT) that helps create a responsible and realistic ten-year fiscal path for achieving these goals and we commend Senator Van Hollen and Representative Susie Lee for sponsoring this legislation,” said L. Earl Franks, NAESP Executive Director.

“The Keep Our PACT Act would provide critical resources for our schools, empowering educators and students alike,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “By bolstering programs such as Title I and IDEA, we can offer essential support to our most vulnerable students, helping them overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. School and student leaders stand ready to collaborate with Congress to make this a reality.”

“The longstanding underfunding of IDEA must be urgently and comprehensively addressed,” said Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Executive Director Chad Rummel. “CEC applauds the introduction of this legislation, which supports our fundamental believe that special education students are general education students first, and that IDEA is best implemented in the context of well-funded public schools.”

“First Focus Campaign for Children is proud to endorse the ‘Keep Our Pact Act.’ For too long, the federal government has failed to honor its commitments to fully fund IDEA and Title I. It’s time to ensure our students receive the quality education they deserve. We are grateful to Senator Van Hollen and Representative Susie Lee for their leadership in advocating for students and educational equity across the country,” said Bruce Lesley, President of First Focus Campaign for Children.

“AFT-Maryland is steadfast in our commitment to the education of every student. We are deeply grateful to Senator Chris Van Hollen for his unwavering leadership on education. As Maryland moves quickly ahead with the implementation of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future — a visionary plan with transformational potential for all students — the Keep Our PACT Act becomes more critical than ever. This legislation equips Maryland’s education professionals and students with the resources needed to fully realize the promise of a world-class education,” said Kenya Campbell, President of AFT-Maryland.

“The Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals provides its enthusiastic support for the ‘Keep Our Promise to our Children and Teachers Act/PACT Act’ Bill requiring full funding for Part A of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Our organization and its school leaders understand and acknowledge that this full funding is critical to schools and school districts to adequately support students and to ensure their success and we thank all those who are working diligently to support it,” said Christopher Truffer, MASSP Executive Director.

“The National Urban League has long been a dedicated advocate for advancing educational equity and is proud to endorse the Keep Our PACT Act. At this critical moment, it is more important than ever to have legislation that recognizes the diverse needs of our students and provides opportunity to thrive in an educational system that ensures meaningful equal opportunity and success, regardless of background or economic status. We commend Senator Van Hollen and Representative Susie Lee for their commitment to securing the resources our children need to receive the high-quality education they all deserve,” said Marc H. Morial, President and CEO, National Urban League.

“National PTA has long advocated for Congress to live up to its promise to fully fund Title I and IDEA to ensure that our nation’s students have the supports they need to succeed in school and reach their full potential,” said Yvonne Johnson, president of National PTA, the nation’s oldest and largest child advocacy association. “Our association applauds Senator Van Hollen and Representative Lee for reintroducing the Keep Our PACT Act to put both programs on a path to full funding.”

“PSSAM proudly joins Maryland’s local boards of education in strongly supporting your bold leadership to reintroduce the Keep Our PACT Act. This legislation represents a long-overdue commitment to our students with disabilities and will help ensure they have the resources and opportunities necessary to thrive," said Andrae Townsel, President of the Public School Superintendents' Association of Maryland. Fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is essential to supporting the more than 108,500 children with disabilities, ages 3-21, who attend Maryland’s public schools each day. As local superintendents, we deeply understand the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of these vulnerable students and the significant impact insufficient IDEA funding can have on their success. Maryland local school systems spend over $1,038,848,168 in direct special education services that are NOT reimbursed by the state and federal governments. Increasing the federal government's commitment to our most vulnerable populations would make a tremendous impact on the ability to adequately fund education for all public school students. Special education students have unique learning needs and deserve every opportunity to achieve the same level of success as their non-disabled peers. They must be equipped with the 21st-century skills needed to become responsible, productive citizens who are college and career ready.”

“For too long, federal funding for public education—particularly for our highest-need schools and for special education—has fallen short. The Keep Our PACT Act will help us achieve the vision of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future while addressing a long-overdue commitment to low-income students and students with disabilities. We commend Senator Van Hollen for his leadership and are proud to stand behind this vital legislation," said MSEA President Paul Lemle.

“Our nation's classrooms have been subjected to willful disinvestment and underfunding for decades. The Keep Our PACT Act allows us to close that gap and ensure that America's public schools get the resources they need to empower and enrich the next generation,” said Moira Kaleida, executive director for the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools. “The Keep Our PACT Act guarantees that students and families, no matter their ZIP code or disability, have access to a well-rounded, high-quality public education, no matter their race, religion or neighborhood. Now is the time to invest in our children and their education so we can truly make our country great.”

“Over 50 years ago, our nation promised young people with disabilities and low-income families that we would provide them with a high quality public education. These promises ensured that a child’s circumstances did not determine their access to high quality public education or the chance to pursue their dreams. It’s time we live up to that promise through the Keep Our PACT Act,” said Analilia Mejia and DaMareo Cooper of Popular Democracy. “If some far-Right politicians get their way, we will fail young people with disabilities, schools will close, teachers and staff will lose their jobs, and communities will suffer. Without the Keep Our PACT Act, predominantly white, well-resourced schools will continue to have enrichment activities, teacher training, and parent engagement while underfunded schools will be further policed – denying Black and brown students and students with disabilities basic necessities. If we’re serious about supporting every child, let’s get serious about funding what works: high-quality public education.”

“Every child in America deserves equal access to a high-quality education, regardless of their zip code,” said Senator Booker. “The Keep Our PACT Act will put Congress on the road to being able to fully fund Title I and IDEA, programs that give assistance to America’s highest-need schools and ensures students with disabilities are afforded a quality education. America’s future is our children and we must prioritize our children’s schools and guarantee that teachers have the support they need.” 

“Our nation’s children deserve comprehensive, quality education and a stable environment to learn and grow. By bolstering Title I and IDEA and providing access for key resources, the Keep Our PACT Act ensures that America’s most vulnerable students are able to achieve their fullest potential. This critical legislation prioritizes students and helps create a meaningful classroom experience—setting students up on the path for success,” said Senator Blumenthal.

“When we invest in education and prioritize students across our nation—regardless of zip code—we’re really investing in their future as much as our country’s future,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud to help reintroduce the Keep Our PACT Act alongside Senator Van Hollen and colleagues to help provide countless teachers, school districts and young people a fairer, more equitable shot at reaching their full potential. Every child deserves the chance to succeed.”

“Our nation’s children are the future. Every student, including students with disabilities, should have equal access to a quality education, regardless of their family’s income or where they live,” said Senator Durbin. “I’m joining my colleagues in reintroducing the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act to ensure the federal government upholds its promise to fund schools, as well as Title I and IDEA programs, that serve our nation’s most vulnerable students.”

“Every student deserves access to a high-quality education, but for too long, a lack of federal funding has disadvantaged the most vulnerable students living in our communities, leaving too many children behind,” said Senator Hirono. “Our students are the future, and Title I and IDEA are essential to helping them receive the first-rate education and support they deserve—regardless of their family income or disability status. The Keep Our PACT Act will help to ensure that we deliver on these promises and set our future generations up for success.”

“Every American deserves the chance to receive a quality education, but too often and for too long, low-income students and students with disabilities have faced barriers in accessing those opportunities,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our legislation will ensure that we finally live up to our promise of fully funding critical federal programs that help more children access quality education.”

“We must ensure that every student in our country, including low-income students and students with disabilities, receive a quality education,” said Senator Markey. “Every dollar we invest into our education system is a dollar invested into creating bright futures for our young people and, ultimately, their communities. I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Keep Our Promise to America’s Children and Teachers (PACT) Act to fulfill this promise to students all across the country.”

“Every student deserves a shot at success, and that means access to a quality education regardless of their ability or the neighborhood they live in,” said Senator Merkley. “Now is the time for Congress to finally address chronic underfunding for IDEA and Title I schools to strengthen supports for children with disabilities and communities struggling the most to meet the needs of their students and families.”

“For too long, poor students and kids with disabilities have gotten shortchanged because Congress has failed to fully fund the programs that help them succeed in our schools. The Keep Our PACT Act would finally fulfill the promises we made when we signed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act into law. These investments are common sense and give every student in this country access to the education and resources they deserve,” said Senator Murphy.

“Every member of the next generation deserves a chance to reach their full potential,” said Senator Smith. “The federal government recognized this when they promised to fund special education in 1975. It’s past time to keep that promise and stop shortchanging our schools and students. I’m proud to join Senator Van Hollen in introducing this bill, which will dramatically improve school budgets in every community in Minnesota.”