August 9, 2002

Honorable Richard Dickerson

Assemblymember, 2nd Assembly District

Room 5160, State Capitol

Sacramento, CA 95814

Dear Assemblyman Dickerson:

On behalf of the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP), I am writing to express our strong support for your Assembly Bill 1907. As you know, this bill will limit the amount of federal funds that may be used in determining the amount of General Fund moneys that a special education local plan area (SELPA) may claim. The bill would take effect for the 2004-05 fiscal year, or when certain conditions regarding Proposition 98 funding are met, whichever occurs first.

We are in strong agreement with you that the passage of AB 602 requires federal increases could go only for paying equalization. Legislation is therefore needed to be sure those federal dollars cannot be used to offset the state's obligation to fund COLA and enrollment growth.

This bill will ensure the state's commitment to treat future federal special education funding increases as an augmentation. The commitment of these federal funds is crucial and necessary as LEA's continue to struggle and fall behind in paying for costly and continually underfunded special education programs.

We feel AB 1907 is consistent with prior Legislative and Administrative action embodied in both AB 602 and SB 982.

Thank you for your leadership on this issue. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me.

Cordially,

Christopher Kahn

Legislative Advocate, California Association of School Psychologists

Cc: Senate Appropriations Committee Members