If enacted, this legislation will authorize substantial appropriations for fiscal years 2024 through 2028, incrementally increasing funding for early childhood special education from $503 million in 2024 to over $1.2 billion by 2028 for section 619, and from approximately $932 million in 2024 to nearly $1.73 billion for part C. This financial support is anticipated to bolster state programs aimed at children with disabilities aged 0-5, ensuring that these vulnerable populations receive necessary educational resources and support.
Summary
House Bill 5141, titled the 'Funding Early Childhood is the Right IDEA Act', proposes a significant increase in federal funding for sections 619 and part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This bill acknowledges the crucial role that high-quality early intervention and preschool special education services play in altering developmental trajectories for children with disabilities. Over the years, funding for these programs has diminished, pressing the need for restoration to ensure effective delivery of such essential services.
Contention
The debate surrounding HB 5141 primarily focuses on the adequacy and prioritization of funding. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for reversing the trend of declining financial support and for safeguarding the rights of children with disabilities to receive a quality education. Conversely, critics may question the bill's funding sources and the long-term sustainability of such increased financial commitments. Discussions may also delve into the potential bureaucratic implications of implementing these large funding increases and ensuring they effectively reach the intended beneficiaries.
To direct the Secretary of Labor to award grants to develop, administer, and evaluate early childhood education apprenticeships, and for other purposes.
Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.