Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is backing a measure that would require Congress to provide funding for Title I and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act — a measure she said is needed amid the disruption to schools caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The bill would require funding for key programs that aid low-income school districts as well as students with disabilities. It comes as many schools have either shifted to remote learning or a hybrid model that has led to uneven outcomes for students. 

The bill would create a 10-year plan for full funding of Title I as well as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Supporters have argued Title I funding has had gaps for years. The National Education Association found the gap for the most recent school year ending in 2020 was more than $29 billion. 

Meanwhile, Congress has not allocated full funding for the programs for students with disabilities as required under the law. 

“The pandemic has exacerbated inequalities in our schools and made the learning gap even harder to overcome for students in need. We must prioritize ensuring all children have access to high-quality education, regardless of their zip code” 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.”