KEY QUOTE: “I strongly encourage members of the Legislature to work with Gov. Kelly to increase funding for special education programs to ensure that all Kansas students have the resources available to thrive and the opportunity to learn. We owe it to kids like my son Danny, and to every single student in Kansas.” 

Kansas underfunds special education. That hurts kids like my son, and everyone else 

• After four years of Gov. Kelly’s leadership, our public schools are fully funded and our students are thriving. It was great to hear Kelly address the years of underfunding of our special education programs in Kansas, and what she plans to do to right this wrong. 

• Underfunding special education comes in many forms. It can mean not having enough funds to pay for staff dedicated to serving children in special education programs. 

• It can mean going without the resources that are essential not only for our children to learn, but for them to be safe in the classroom. As parents, we shouldn’t have to worry about our children’s safety when sending them to school or if they will be adequately cared for. 

• When we lack the funds to invest in special education programs, that money is diverted from other programs. We shouldn’t be forced to choose which children in our state get to have better opportunities over others.  

• Every Kansas child should be given the chance to thrive in the classroom no matter where they live, how they learn or what additional needs they may have.