It’s Fact Check Friday. The underfunding of special education in Kansas starts with the federal government, which is failing to provide an adequate share of special education funding despite mandating special education services. It’s important to note, though, that local districts cannot raise their own funds for SPED funding, and the lower federal share increases the amount states must pick up.

More than 50 years ago, Congress promised to fund 40 percent of special education costs. They never met that promise. Today, federal funding is 10 percent. Let’s fix that!

Check out the “40 by 40: Fulfill the IDEA Promise” Advocacy Campaign webpage. It’s been more than 50 years since Congress passed IDEA. It’s beyond time Congress honors its 1975 commitment to fund 40% of special education costs.

Link originally posted to Facebook on October 23, 2026.