Protect and Increase Special Education Funding

A proposed budget plan changes how the state tracks funding for students with disabilities (Exceptional Student Education or ESE) while expanding spending on private school scholarships.

Florida public schools serve more than 420,000 students with disabilities. Special education funding helps schools provide these services to the students with the greatest needs. When that funding does not keep up with inflation and rising costs, schools lose resources. That means fewer staff, fewer supports, and more pressure on classrooms.

As lawmakers finish the budget, it is critical to make sure special education funding keeps up with rising costs so schools can continue supporting every student who needs help.

Please take a moment to email your legislators today.

When you send your email, consider adding a personal note about why strong public schools and support for students with disabilities matter to you and your family. 

Personal stories help lawmakers understand the real impact their decisions have on our kids.

 

​​​​Start with the Foundation: Fully Fund Florida’s Public Schools

Article IX of the Florida Constitution states that the education of children is a fundamental value of the people of Florida and requires the state to provide a system of free public schools that is uniform, efficient, safe, secure, and high quality.

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Public schools are not just one option among many.

They are the only system the state is required to build and maintain to serve every child.

Yet the proposed education funding increases do not keep pace with inflation. When costs rise faster than funding, schools lose real purchasing power. Forcing cuts to staff, programs, and student supports just to keep operating.

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An increase that doesn't keep up with inflation is a cut. Our students deserve better.

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Tell Your Members of Congress: Halt the ICE Terror Machine

The email to your Members of Congress

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​Florida Budget:  Our students deserve better!

The proposed budget for 2026-27 is now available. (You can access the proposed FEFP for both chambers here). As you can see from the chart below, it represents a significant cut in per student spending from Gov. DeSantis' first budget when adjusted for inflation.

Let your lawmakers know that you are paying attention and want them to secure a real investment for Florida's students, educators, and school communities.

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Email Your Legislators: Protect and Increase Special 

Education

Students with disabilities are counting on us. Email your legislators today to protect the funding our kids need.

A proposed budget plan changes how the state tracks funding for students with disabilities (Exceptional Student Education or ESE) while expanding spending on private school 

scholarships.

When you send your email, consider adding a personal note about why strong public schools and support for students with disabilities matter to you and your family. 

Personal stories help lawmakers understand the real impact their decisions have on our kids.

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Who Represents Me? Find Your Elected Officials

Decisions about schools, taxes, safety, healthcare, and the future of your community are made by people elected to represent you — but too often it’s hard to know who they are or how to reach them. This tool makes it simple.

Just enter your address and we’ll show you exactly who represents your neighborhood, along with the fastest ways to contact them. Whether you want to ask a question, share your story, or speak up about an issue you care about, connecting with your legislators is one of the most powerful ways to make an impact.

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Tell Tampa City Council: Close the Sidewalk Loophole

Tampa City Council will soon vote on an amendment to the city's sidewalk ordinance that would close a loophole allowing new homes to be built without sidewalks.

Currently, builders can avoid installing sidewalks if city staff determine there is no nearby sidewalk to connect to. This has resulted in entire blocks of new homes — even near schools — being built without safe walking paths.

Tampa already has over 1,200 miles of roads without sidewalks and one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country. Sidewalks are one of the most important tools for protecting pedestrians, especially children who may be difficult for drivers of large SUVs and trucks to see.

The proposed amendment would remove the exemption and ensure that new homes include sidewalks, helping create safer streets and better connectivity across our neighborhoods.

 City Council Vote: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Action Needed: Email Tampa City Council by end of day Wednesday

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Tell House Democrats: Not a penny more for ICE and Border Patrol terror

Call your Democratic Representative

Across the country, millions of us have held the line for months demanding an end to the violence and terror of ICE and Border Patrol. As reports are circulating that Democrats are open to considering a deal being floated by the White House, it’s time to remind them that our demands have not changed: The only way ICE and Border Patrol get so much as a single penny more is if Democrats fail to lead.

If reports about the proposal are true – this “offer” would constitute a blank check to Border Patrol and add to ICE’s already bloated budget – merely separating out “deportation” operations’ to be funded later. And this funding could very well come without any guardrails to curb ICE brutality and terror operations. Your Democratic Representatives need to hear from you today: Any vote for this proposal is a vote to support ICE or Border Patrol’s terror, violence, and the authoritarian Trump agenda.

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UPDATE + ACTION NEEDED: Record Number of U.S. Reps Support Homeless Child & Youth Funding - Contact Your Senators NOW

Thanks to your advocacy, a record 147 U.S. Representatives signed onto the bipartisan FY2027 funding letter recently circulated in the House of Representatives. That includes a new Republican co-lead, and an additional 25 members over last year’s letter! 

 

This didn’t happen by accident. It happened because hundreds of you took just two minutes to contact your member of Congress about the importance of EHCY and RHYA. That outreach made a real difference – thank you! 

 

We need your help once again.

 

Now that the House letter is closed, the Senate bipartisan letter is officially open. Your U.S. Senators need to hear from you about the educational and support needs of children and youth experiencing homelessness. 

 

One action to take:

Ask your U.S. Senator to sign the bipartisan Senate letter supporting FY2027 funding for EHCY and RHYA. The deadline is April 17.

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Speak Up for Florida’s Students at the State Board of Education Meeting

​Speak Up for Florida’s Students at the State Board of Education Meeting 📅 Date: Friday, April 17, 2026 🕘 Time: 9:00 a.m. 📍 Location: The Freedom Institute of Collier County 2706 Horseshoe Dr. S. Naples, FL 34104 The Florida State Board of Education is meeting — and your voice matters now more than ever. This is a critical opportunity for parents, students, educators, and community members to show up and advocate for strong, well-funded public schools. Two Ways to Participate 👥 Attend In Person 💻 Submit Public Comment in Advance Share your feedback online here: ➡️ https://web02.fldoe.org/Rules/ 🗣️ Public pressure works. This is your chance to ensure the State Board hears directly from families and communities who want safe, thriving public schools that have the resources our students deserve. 

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