Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 126, the education trailer bill for the state budget, allocating an additional $2.4 billion for special education funding. The governor's office described it as the largest such investment in state history, a 43% increase over the prior year.
The increase raises the per-student special education rate to $1,340 and ensures every local educational agency in the state receives funding at the same rate. The budget also includes $80 million in ongoing support for a high-cost special education pool and a low-incidence disabilities add-on.
"I've heard directly from parents across California: their kids need more, and they deserve better," Newsom said. "Today, we are making record investments in special education, to build a stronger system that gives every child the opportunity to succeed."
Lawmakers who championed the investment said the money will pay for more reading specialists, behavioral health aides and one-on-one support. Assemblymember David Alvarez and Senator Sasha Renee Perez each pointed to the measure as long-overdue funding for students with disabilities.