Multiple press outlets are reporting that Secretary of Education (ED) Linda McMahon -as verified through ED’s communications office- is working to “make good on pledges” from the President to close the department and send programs, including activities related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) elsewhere. Specifically, ED spokesperson Madi Biederman said, “the department is exploring additional partnerships with federal agencies to support special education programs without any interruption or impact on students with disabilities, but no agreement has been signed.” Meanwhile, COPAA joined more than 800 local, state, and national organizations in a statement calling upon the Administration and Congress to “protect children with disabilities, reverse layoffs, and uphold access to key educational services.” Also, COPAA co-led a letter with 60 national organizations asking Chairman Cassidy (R-LA) and Ranking Member Sanders (I-VT) to conduct an oversight hearing from the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee regarding Executive violations of statutory requirements under the IDEA and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. 

ACT NOW! To do your part, please EMAIL CONGRESS and explain how the instability caused by the OSEP RIF is currently, or may impact children with disabilities.