Iowans are speaking out against deep cuts to schools, job creation initiatives and other state services. In the Senate, Senator Gronstal and pro-education legilsators are listening.
Senate Democrats have organized daily budget hearings at the Capitol and have hosted close to 40 listening posts and community meetings around the state. Senate Democrats are learning first-hand from Iowans about how Republican cuts will hurt Iowa families, students, communities and schools.
The Iowa House has taken a completely different approach, rushing through a super-sized spending bill loaded with special interest amendments.
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Several weeks ago in the Senate, we approved a 2 percent increase in basic state aid to our local schools. Our version was dramatically different from a bill passed by the Republican-controlled House that would have provided NO new state money for our schools. Failing to help local schools deal with increasing costs jeopardizes student achievement by causing teacher layoffs and crowding classrooms.
Unfortunately, the House is sitting on this important legislation. School boards across the state are writing next year’s budgets, and they need to know if the state will be there for Iowa students.
Budgeting is about setting priorities. We can afford this modest increase in funding for our local schools. What we can’t afford is to fail to invest in our children—the future of our state, our future leaders and our future workforce.
Iowa’s route to a high-skill, high-wage economic future depends on the quality of our local schools. Our children need strong skills, and new and expanding businesses must know that Iowa’s commitment to education is second to none.
The Iowa House of Representatives will be holding a public meeting on House Study Bill 1 on Tuesday, January 18 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the House Chamber at the Capitol.
HSB 1 is a deappropriation and supplemental appropriation bill for FY 2011 and repeals a number of standing appropriations for the next two years. In total, the bill reduces state funding by $216 million. Some of the major programs being repealed are the voluntary preschool program, the Grow Iowa Values Fund, smoking cessation programs, passenger rail, sustainable communities, and the Save Our Small Business Fund.
Those wishing to speak at the public meeting may sign up at the Legislative Information Office by calling 515-281-5129. If unable to attend, you may e-mail written testimony to lioinfo@legis.state.ia.us.
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