California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 126, the education trailer bill for the state budget, allocating an additional $2.4 billion to special education funding. This significant investment represents a 43% increase from the previous year, aiming to strengthen the state's education system and foster a more inclusive learning environment for all students.
The legislation ensures that all local educational agencies will receive special education funding at the same rate, boosting the per-student rate to $1,340. Governor Newsom emphasized the importance of these actions, saying, "I've heard directly from parents across California: their kids need more, and they deserve better. These actions answer that call. Today, we are making record investments in special education, to build a stronger system that gives every child the opportunity to succeed and leaves California's schools better than we found them.”
Further investments include $80 million in ongoing funding for the special education extraordinary cost pool and the low-incidence disabilities add-on. A one-time increase of $30 million is provided for the Supporting Inclusive Practices Project, which helps schools expand access to general education for students with disabilities. Additionally, $25 million is allocated to the Inclusive College Technical Assistance Center to promote inclusive college opportunities, and $10 million will support alternative pathways to high school diplomas for students with disabilities.
Linda Darling-Hammond, President of the California State Board of Education, commented on the budget's impact, saying, "These thoughtful investments demonstrate California’s continued commitment to opportunity, equity, and long-term success for all students, particularly those with the greatest needs.” Assemblymember David Alvarez and Senator Sasha Renee Perez also lauded the funding, highlighting its potential to provide more specialists and direct support for students with disabilities.
This latest action builds on the Newsom administration's broader commitment to TK-12 education, which includes expanding transitional kindergarten, providing free school meals, implementing literacy coaches, and the $4 billion Community Schools Initiative. These efforts have contributed to measurable gains in student achievement across the state, as students continue to rebound from the pandemic.