<b>To the Editor:</b><br>

In one of its last acts before adjourning, Congress approved the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It is a significant benefit to special education students and educators.

More importantly, the vote marked the culmination of three years of bipartisan work much of it initiated by Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-CD7) who sits on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce. While the Senate passed the bill on a voice vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the IDEA by a vote of 397-3. Sadly, one of the “no” votes belonged to Arizona Congressman Trent Franks (R-CD2).

The Arizona Education Association wonders how Franks can be against a bill that helps students with disabilities and the educators who serve them. How can Franks be against a bill that improves learning and services for students, rather than its current focus on paperwork and process?

How can Franks be against a bill that improves the partnership between parents, educators, and schools, and reduces the potential for acrimonious litigation?

The answer is simple. Franks, who has a growing legislative record to prove it, isn’t supportive of public education, regardless of students needs.

Thankfully the rest of the Arizona Delegation understood the importance of the bill and supported it. Our children are better served because of their commitment to IDEA.

John Wright, President

Arizona Education Association

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