Romania Considers Higher Taxes for Polluting Vehicles; US Special Education Faces Funding Challenges

Romania's Finance Minister, Tanczos Barna, announced plans for a new car tax targeting owners of highly polluting vehicles. While the implementation method is yet to be finalized, the intention is for those with polluting vehicles to pay more. Discussions with local authorities are ongoing, as they administer local taxes such as vehicle taxes. The goal is to differentiate between owners of polluting vehicles and those using eco-friendly cars, without burdening low-income individuals.

In the United States, special education faces chronic underfunding, according to Antoinette Banks, founder of Expert IEP. Since the enactment of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act in 1975, Congress has not met its commitment to fund 40% of the average per-person expenditure for special education services. Actual funding has hovered around 14.7% to 15% in good years, creating tension among families, educators, policymakers, and states. Banks also noted concerns about potential dismantling of the Department of Education, which could exacerbate disparities if special education becomes a state-by-state issue.