New Budget Request Includes $15.5 B for Special Education Services
President Biden sent Congress a preliminary glimpse at his new budget request earlier this month. The request provides a blueprint for his administration’s priorities concerning discretionary spending for the 2022 fiscal year. The President’s $1.52 trillion plan increases domestic spending by 16% and features more resources for programs which support individuals with disabilities. Specifically, the plan provides $15.5 billion for special education students in pre-K through 12th grade. This represents a $2.6 billion increase from the previous budget. With this sizable boost, the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) has a chance at becoming fully funded, something that has never occurred in its 46-year existence. Additionally, $732 million has been allocated for early intervention services for infants and toddlers, $250 million more than the program was previously receiving. Adults with disabilities will also receive more support, $551 million has been carved out for home- and community-based services. The President also seeks $180 million for 2000 new affordable housing units for older adults and people living with disabilities. The budget request also includes $75 million in outreach funds to ensure that adults with intellectual disabilities and other vulnerable individuals gain access to the Social Security Administrations’ Supplemental Security Income Program.
