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Budget Updates

Federal Updates: The President released his budget-2027

Good news is that an additional $50 million is a proposed increase for Part C. The but is that there are proposed changes to IDEA - elimination of Preschool 619 program, and the 5 Part D IDEA grants - State Personnel Development,Technical Assistance and Dissemination, Personnel Preparation, Parent Information Centers and Educational, Technology, Media and Materials. These programs are to be combined into a " single state formula grant"- Part B Section 611 State Grant Program.
The budget request contains $15.4 billion for IDEA Part Grants to States over the current $14.2 billion in 2026. It calls for the consolidation of programs at the state level. The goal"to return education to the states by streamlining funding and expanding flexibility for States".

Part C- Grants for Infants and Families program is at $590 million - a $50 million increase. It is suggested to be used for states to have "new flexibility to support American families expecting to have a child with a disability provide services to the child quicker after he/she is born." 

Other recommendations include the elimination of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs), Preschool Development Grants Birth to Five Developmental Disabilities, Projects of National Significance, Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS) programs, and Community Services Block Grant.

Research in Special Education Program is projected to be cut from $45.3 to $10m in 2027.

The funding for the Department of Education is reduced. Its office is expected to relocate to save funds " for eliminating wasted space that is roughly 70% vacant. 17 existing education programs under the Department's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education will be consolidated into a new $2B "Make Education Great Again (MEGA) - a state formula grants program supporting literacy and numeracy.

Congress is currently in the process of writing spending bills to fund key programs for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, including special education. The Administration's budget for FY 2027 proposes increased funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C Infants, Toddlers, and Families program and IDEA Part B Grants to States. Last year addressing proposed cuts, the message to fund all of IDEA was heard. Take a moment to restate the message for this year's budget.

Tell Your Elected Officials to Support IDEA Funding in FY 2027

Join your colleagues in calling on Congress to fund all parts of IDEA and avoid any cuts for infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, their families, and the professionals who serve them.
https://exceptionalchildren.org/lac
 
CA Budget Updates: In January the Governor released his proposed budget. The Senate and Assembly Committees have been reviewing and holding hearings. The Governor is expected to release his May revise this month. Check out the Citizens Guide: Budget for specifics about the process. Budget Process Guide

Sounding the Alarm: Serious Budget Cuts to Disability Services are Looming - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjhYz4LAZh4

Budget Advocacy: The ARC- Disco at the Capitol

REGISTER NOW! - Not Accepting Registrations
This two-day event, May 18-19 brings together self-advocates, families, service providers, and policymakers from across the state to connect, learn, and raise our voices for inclusion and opportunity. As a longtime advocate or new to the movement, DisCo at the Capitol is where relationships are built, stories are shared, and meaningful change begins.
 
What to Expect

  • Inspiring speakers and community leaders
  • Networking with advocates from across California
  • A Capitol rally and meetings with legislators
  • An unforgettable evening reception and Silent DisCo 

At a time when proposed budget cuts are threatening critical disability services across California, this year’s gathering is more relevant than ever. On Tuesday May 19, hundreds of disability rights advocates will come together at the State Capitol to meet with legislators, share their stories, and make sure our community is heard. Registration is required at disco at discoatthecapitol.org.
 
Foundation for the Future- Senate Budget Social Networks
https://sd21.senate.ca.gov/news/2026/april/california-state-senate-unveils-foundation-future-budget-plan

Legislative Analyst Office releases:

  • Specific details on proposed cuts will be identified in the Governor's Budget expected to be released
  • Understanding $100 Billion in Spending Growth:
  • Causes and Fiscal Implications

General Fund spending has grown just over $100 billion since the COVID-19 pandemic—from $146 billion in 2019-20 to $248 billion under the Governor’s budget proposal for 2026-27. This report aims to assess the drivers of that growth. Specifically, we examine the extent to which underlying cost pressures versus program expansions caused state spending to increase over this period. We also discuss implications of this analysis for solving the state's structural deficit.
https://lao.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b7aaf18835225b2edd8ee1f45&id=1d78a735a4&e=2068cdcf92

More on CA. Early Start and Budget:
Change proposed in Trailer Bill for Early Start Operations. 
Check out 12/25 CDE notice - https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#drafts?compose=jrjtXGkPTLgWwqfBcLKtNrXnxHdNPRFctnPKNzxhRMLFnvjbmjNGqfcDBZvKwHSZRlZSQGCV
DDS Proposal (per fact sheet): Proposed Trailer Bill Legislation: Early Intervention Programs Oversight and as posted on their website: Proposed Changes to State Law in the 2026-27 Budget: CA Department of Developmental Services

Sign up: May Revise: Legislative Advocacy | May 27 | Register HERE

Fran Chasen and Annie Cox
IDA Policy Committee