On Wednesday, May 13, Secretary Linda McMahon, U.S. Department of Education (ED), announced a $144 million investment to help states expand evidence-based supports for students with disabilities, stemming from “unspent, non-expiring” funds that are attributed to the American Rescue Plan Act, which was passed in 2021. According to ED, the funding, which will be distributed this year, will allow state and local agencies to strengthen programs under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Secretary McMahon also unveiled new guidance encouraging states to use IDEA Part C funding to support families expecting children with disabilities. The guidance aims to help those parents access information, planning tools, and critical services before and after their child’s birth, and comes on the heels of Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations language that allows for that expanded use of funds.