Sec. 1. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

1999-00 2000-01

DISABILITY RIGHTS CENTER

Disability Rights Center

All Other $80,000 $80,000

Provides funds to ensure the continuation of funding originally provided in Private and Special Law 1997, chapter 84. Funds must be used to provide students with learning disabilities with advocacy services in special education matters.

SUMMARY

Private and Special Law 1997, chapter 84 provided the Disability Rights Center, formerly Maine Advocacy Services, with a General Fund appropriation in fiscal year 1998-99 to provide advocacy services on behalf of students with learning disabilities. This bill seeks to ensure the continuation of that funding by appropriating $80,000 in each year of the upcoming biennium.