Special education increase sought

The Appropriations Committee heard testimony Feb. 5 on a bill that temporarily would increase the cap on growth in special education funding in Nebraska.

LB969, introduced by Cedar Rapids Sen. Kate Sullivan, would increase the cap on growth in special education appropriations from 5 to 10 percent for fiscal year 2014-15. Currently, special education aid may not increase by more than 5 percent per year over the previous fiscal year’s funding level.

Sullivan said special education costs continue to rise while the cap on state funding growth has stayed in place. Federal law requires that all special education students receive a free, quality public education, she said.

“Special education expenses are not optional expenses that a [school] district can control,” Sullivan said.

Jay Sears of the Nebraska State Education Association testified in support of the bill, saying schools are forced to cut programs to all students in order to make up for special education costs in excess of state funding.

“The excess costs in special education are increasing astronomically,” Sears said.

No opposition testimony was offered and the committee took no immediate action on the bill.