Capitol Comments
Scaled Back Education Reform Bill Passes House
Most of my week was focused, rightly, on Education Reform and we are in recess until Monday because of the impending storm. Consequently, my comments are shorter than usual:
The Iowa House approved a scaled back version of the Governor’s education reform bill this week after a non-partisan analysis of the plan found the Governor didn’t provide enough money for implementation in over 60% of Iowa schools.
To deal with the shortfall, the House majority party lowered beginning teacher salaries from $35,000 to $32,000 and made reform efforts optional. The bill approved still shortchanges 130 school districts if they decide to participate in reform efforts. The Democratic members of the Education Committee again offered amendments with plans to provide the full cost of reform efforts to schools, but the amendments were not adopted by the majority.
We also offered a proposal to bolster student achievement efforts through early childhood education. We offered student loan forgiveness to encourage more of Iowa’s brightest students to become teachers, and attempted to add educational programs designed to close the achievement gap. Other concerns were raised during debate about the changing nature of students today in Iowa, largely due to a higher number of children in poverty. The bill does not address this effectively, nor does it develop the basic core education requirements.
Democrats in the House are concerned with adding 19 new employees and $7 million for the Iowa Department of Education alone. We offered an alternative to get more money to the classroom, instead of growing government in Des Moines, but this too was rejected. The majority party also added new annual testing for grades 3 through 11 – another new mandate without adequate funding.
After a year delay and pressure from educators and parents, the majority party finally approved school funding for next year in the education reform bill, but only 2%. Last week, the Senate met the deadline to fund Iowa schools on time by setting allowable growth funding for schools at 4%.
The bill now goes to the Senate where it faces an uncertain future.
Saturday, at the League of Women Voter’s forum, I had a great visit with Richard Bradford. We discussed Language Literacy in Iowa schools
Visiting with Iowa Friends of Companion Animals
In above two photos, I learned more about problems with animal neglect and abuse in “puppy mills” in Iowa from Iowa Friends of Companion Animals. 40% of breeders were cited for significant violations to the Animal Welfare Act. Visiting here with a group from Linn County, including Peg Palma and Kellee Evans.
Discussing Iowa Tuition Grants
In above two photos, Susan Spivey of Kaplan University brought several Cedar Rapids students on a Capitol visit: Yolanda Sanders, Kerrie Sinkey, Courtney Dryer, Beth Hora & Britney Alvino. We discussed Iowa Tuition Grants for college students.
So happy to visit with the indefatigable B.J. Furgerson, President Emerita of the Iowa Public Television Board. Her smile – and energy – is infectious!
Meeting with ISU Provost Jonathan Wickert and college professors. With Senator Bill Dotzler.
Learning about the many innovative projects Diamond V is involved in! Here with Jeff Cannon, Sr VP, Planning & Business Development at Diamond V.
Wonderful to see Leta Wall and Heritage Agency on Aging representatives, including Tracey Robertson, Keith Grien and Kennan Highly. They came to the Capitol to advocate for elderly abuse legislation. Always a treat to see Leta!
Good friends (and volunteers!) visiting from back home. Bob & Alice King stopped by to advocate for seniors.
Enjoyed visiting with local veterinarians, Drs. Randy Ackman and Charles Lemme. We discussed public safety, livestock health and animal agriculture research.
I owe a debt of gratitude to Dr. Lew Finch! He was the Cedar Rapids Schools Superintendent who initially hired me as Social Studies Facilitator. A true advocate for education – and a terrific recruiter : )
Meeting with neighbor, Joe Tursi, of OPN Architects. Great to have a resource for future legislation concerning “green architecture”!
Good discussion with Mount Mercy University counselors, Heidi Goetzinger, Joshua D’Amico, Lauren Garcia & Sarah Washler. They were interested in the tuition tax credits and education bills.
Greeting Wartburg President Darrel Colson, who was there for Wartburg Day at the Capitol.
Read More from the Iowa House
To read the rest of the Statehouse News go to: http://iowahouse.org/StatehouseNews/2-22-13.html
