On Wednesday, March 13, 2019 educators, administrators, and educational organizations joined at the capitol in support of AB 428, introduced by Assembly Member Jose Medina (D-Riverside). AB 428 was unanimously approved by the Assembly Education Committee ensuring that the bill is considered in the State Budget deliberations.
If adopted, AB 428 would establish a funding mechanism to support special education preschool programs, equalize special education funding rates to the 95th percentile over time, and provide a supplemental grant to support students requiring intensive services and supports.
“Many schools in California are struggling with the burden of inadequate special education funding,” says David M. Toston, Associate Superintendent of Schools for the El Dorado County Office of Education. “Today’s overwhelming show of support for AB 428 highlights the thoughtfulness of the authors and the urgent need to increase special education funding.
The need for increased special education funds has been identified in several state reports including that of the Statewide Special Education Task Force in 2015. The task force was charged with outlining distinct reforms necessary for a successful special education system, which included a call for additional state funding.
Updates on AB 428 will be reported as the bill progresses through the Committee on Appropriations.
El Dorado County Associate Superintendent David M. Toston voices support for AB 428 at the state capitol.