Newtown Representative Appointed To Special Education Council

HARTFORD — State Representative DebraLee Hovey (R-112), whose district covers Monroe and part of Newtown, was recently appointed to the Advisory Council for Special Education by House Minority leader Robert M. Ward (R-86).

The council is responsible for advising the state Department of Education on unmet needs in educating students with disabilities, periodically reviewing the laws, regulations, standards, and guidelines pertaining to special education, and recommending to the General Assembly and the state Board of Education any changes it considers necessary.

The council will also reserve the right to comment on any new or revised regulations, standards and guidelines proposed for issuance, as well as publicly commenting on any procedures necessary for distributing federal funds received under the education portion of the Handicapped Act.

“As a legislator, I am working to reduce the burden on local property taxpayers the cost of providing special education by finding ways to increase the state’s share of the cost,” Ms Hovey said. “The need [of special education] is one that transcends town lines. The state should take a greater share of the high cost of providing this essential service.”

She thanked Mr Ward for providing her the opportunity to serve on the panel. “Special education has always been one of my top concerns as both a legislator and an education professional,” she said. “Serving on this panel will give me an opportunity to ensure our special education students receive the education and training they need to compete successfully in the job market when they enter the workforce.”