This week, a US House and Senate Conference Committee is hammering out a compromise version of President Bush's Education Bill. One issue under debate is whether to implement full funding of the Government's share of special education costs. 26 years ago, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or IDEA, and also promised to pay 40% of the average per pupil cost. But Congress put up no money for it and today the law is drastically underfunded. The mandate stretches town budgets, divides local communities, and has united the New Hampshire Legislature. But three members of NH Congressional delegation appear to be in no hurry. NHPR's Carolyn D'Aquila reports.
