ICYMI: Cassidy Hosts Event Celebrating IDEA’s 50th Anniversary, Positive Impact on Children’s Education

WASHINGTON - Earlier this week, U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, hosted an event to celebrate the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act's (IDEA) 50th anniversary. IDEA provides children with disabilities the opportunity to reach their full potential and equips teachers and parents with tools, training, and resources.

During the event, Cassidy spoke to the importance of IDEA, recognizing its transformative impact on the education of children with disabilities. Cassidy also discussed several of his bills that strengthen IDEA, including the bipartisan and bicameral resolution recognizing IDEA's 50th anniversary, and the 21st Century Dyslexia Act promoting early screening for dyslexia. As chair of the HELP Committee, Cassidy is leading congressional efforts to increase child literacy rates and ensure all students' have the resources they need to be successful.

"IDEA established the fundamental truth that every child deserves equal access to a quality education," said Dr. Cassidy. "Congress should pass my IDEA resolution and 21st Century Dyslexia Act to expand children with disabilities' access to the resources they need to reach their full potential."

The speakers included:

• Dr. Bill Cassidy, U.S. Senator (R-LA), Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee
• U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), lead sponsor of the resolution recognizing 50 years of IDEA
• U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (NH)
• Jeanne Allen, Founder and CEO, the Center for Education Reform (CER)
• Dr. Laura Cassidy, Founder, Louisiana Key Academy Public Charter School
• Liz Weintraub, Senior Advocacy Specialist, Association of University Centers on Disabilities
• Jeff Skowronek, Executive Director, Pepin Academies

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