Sen. Shaheen Questions Sec. McMahon on Proposed Cuts to Student Disability Programs and Rural School Funding

Concerns Over Proposed Program Cuts

• 💡 Senator Shaheen questioned Secretary McMahon regarding proposed cuts to programs serving students with disabilities, emphasizing the success of programs like TRIO.
• 🎯 Data from New Hampshire shows TRIO programs, specifically Upwardbound, have high graduation and college enrollment rates, serving as a critical support for students.
• ⚠️ Shaheen urged reassessment of eliminating these programs, stating they make a significant difference for students who might otherwise not achieve higher education.

Rural School Funding and Reimbursement Issues

• 📌 A specific issue raised was the Masoma Valley School District in New Hampshire, which completed a ventilation improvement project for student safety.
• 🤝 The district undertook the project with federal assurance of reimbursement but was later denied funding, despite following procedures and receiving prior approval.
• 🚀 Shaheen requested Secretary McMahon's commitment to ensuring rural schools, like Masoma Valley, receive promised funding for essential safety projects.

Support for Students with Disabilities

• 📚 Educators struggle to ensure students with disabilities receive adequate education, a challenge ongoing since the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).
• 🔬 New Hampshire, with support from the National Center for Systemic Improvement (funded by IDEA), successfully improved literacy rates for students with disabilities.
• 🚫 Shaheen expressed confusion over the President's budget proposal to eliminate this successful support program, questioning the rationale for dismantling working initiatives.
• 💬 Secretary McMahon stated that IDEA funding remains intact and that states have flexibility, suggesting New Hampshire could continue its successful programs. However, Shaheen sought clarification on the proposed elimination of the national center.