Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is backing legislation that would require Congress to provide funding for Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act — a measure the senator said is needed as a result of the disruption to schools caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill would require funding for key programs that support low-income school districts as well as students with disabilities. The bill would create a 10-year plan to fully fund Title I as well as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Supporters have argued there have been gaps in Title I funding for years. The National Education Association found the gap for the most recent school year ending in 2020 was more than $29 billion. In the meantime, Congress has not allocated full funding for the programs for students with disabilities as required by federal law. Gillibrand said, “It is critical that Congress finally make good on our promise to underserved children, parents, and educators across New York. I have been fighting to support our schools throughout this crisis and I will continue working with my colleagues, and the new administration, on this investment in our future.” Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.