Posted: | January 9, 2024 02:17 PM |
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From: | Representative Joseph C. Hohenstein and Rep. Jason Ortitay, Rep. Dan L. Miller |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Funding for Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program |
In 2022, the General Assembly enacted legislation that established the Disability Inclusive Curriculum Pilot Program, which focuses on teaching students about the important political, economic, and social contributions of individuals with disabilities. The pilot program recently began operating in ten schools for the 2023-2024 school year and is an important measure to promote kindness and inclusion in our schools. However, as the law is currently written, it lacks specific funding measures to guarantee its sustainability over the next several years. My legislation would amend the existing law to expand the funding sources that are available for this program, allowing the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) to use uncommitted funds that had previously been approved for use by PDE. Under existing law, PDE may only use funds specifically designated for this program, but there is currently no state funding in place for it. In 2022, the General Assembly agreed on the importance regarding promoting inclusion and the strong abilities of all people, and we must now take a step further by ensuring that this program receives the secure, sustainable funding that it needs to succeed. Please consider co-sponsoring this legislation that will provide appropriate funding to this program that will foster inclusion in our classrooms and teach our students about the notable contributions made by individuals with disabilities. |
Introduced as HB2028