Educators to Re-Elect Senator Mike Gronstal

That’s why new ideas to help Iowa students succeed are always welcome. After all, our students are competing with young people from around the world for jobs and other opportunities in today’s global economy.

In the Senate, I’ve built on Iowa’s tradition of educational excellence by making sure kids start school ready to learn, helping keep the best teachers in our classrooms, raising standards to make a high school diploma more meaningful, and providing workers with training for in-demand jobs.

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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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I’ve repeatedly said that the state of Iowa will have $600 million in our reserve funds and $300 million in our ending balance when the fiscal year comes to a close on June 30.

I argued that with so much money on hand—far more than most other states—there is no need to deeply cut our local schools, community colleges and universities.

That statement was partially in error, and I want to issue a correction.

It turns out Iowa’s economy is recovering even better than expected. Michael Fitzgerald, Iowa’s State Treasurer, reported this week that we’ll have an additional $100 million in our ending balance when this fiscal year comes to a close on June 30.

These additional dollars can help protect Iowa’s local schools and create new jobs. There are now 100 million more reasons why the compromises needed to end the session should be easier to find

One of the best moments Senator Gronstal had recenty was talking with Waukee resident Kennedy Haag, who visited the Iowa Senate during a pause in debate on May 26. Kennedy was very excited and proud because it was also her preschool graduation day. She had just finished up her preschool education at one of Iowa’s quality programs for four-year-olds. Public opposition to education cuts recently convinced Governor Branstad to abandon deep cuts to early education. Disagreement over education funding continues to prevent the Legislature and the Governor from agreeing on next year’s state budget, which is to begin on July 1.

Dear Friends,

Budget negotiations at the Iowa Capitol have stalled over support for education and job creation.

Our schools and colleges, as well as Iowa’s recovery from the national recession, will be damaged if we don’t reach a common-sense compromise.

To make that happen, Iowans need to get involved. That’s why I’m asking for your help. Please join your friends, neighbors and family members in voicing your concerns about unnecessary cuts to education at every level and the job creation initiatives that are helping our economy recover. The proposed cuts are unnecessary because we can afford these investments at a time when our state’s reserve funds are full at $600 million, and another $300 million will be added by the end of the fiscal year.

Here are 10 areas where Republicans insist on deep, unnecessary cuts that are causing gridlock at the Capitol:

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Dear Friends,

I regularly visit with local business leaders and economic development specialists. Time and again, I’m told that great schools and training opportunities are the best way for Iowa to compete for good jobs at good wages.

That’s why I want to protect Iowa education at all levels from unnecessary, short-sighted cuts—from early childhood to college to job re-training. I stand behind the Senate’s Education Budget, which maintains high standards while keeping education and training affordable and accessible.

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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.

Congratulations to Savanna Groenjes, 13, of Council Bluffs, who has been named National Epilepsy spokesperson. Savanna will travel to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness about epilepsy and how it affects the life of a child who experiences seizures. The advocacy is part of the Epilepsy Foundation's annual Kids Speak Up! event from March 27-29. Savanna and other young people will personally petition congressional leaders for better access to care, improved public education and awareness about epilepsy and more research toward a cure. For additional information, please visit http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/

Financial literacy is an essential skill for success in today’s every-changing, global economy.

A new financial literacy program released this week is designed to teach Iowa students about personal finance. By learning the basics—budgeting, saving, wise use of credit cards and smart borrowing—early on, students will be better positioned for life-long financial success.

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from the Gronstal Report 2/10/2011
I recently visited Lewis and Clark preschool in Council Bluffs to highlight efforts to prepare Iowa kids for a bright future. In 2007, the Legislature created the statewide preschool program, which now provides free preschool to 60 percent of Iowa four-year olds. On January 19th, House Republicans voted to completely eliminate the preschool program.

I wish the people who want to close these preschools would visit them and realize that our kids and grandkids are not just some line-item in a budget. The kids are learning skills that will prepare them for educational success throughout their lives. We can’t afford to NOT invest in their future.

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from the Gronstal Report 2/10/2011

Funding for education and kids should not be a partisan issue, especially when you consider that strong schools are key to Iowa’s economic opportunities—now and down the road.

Our path to a high-wage Iowa future depends on the quality of our local schools. Our children need the skills to take on available jobs, and we must assure new and expanding businesses that Iowa’s commitment to education is second to none.

Governor Branstad and Legislative Republicans have proposed zero new funding for our schools, and the Iowa House has already passed legislation that gives schools no new money.
Investing in education is key to our future

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Mike continues to work closely at the Capitol with legislators who believe jobs should be the Legislature’s number one priority. This week we focused on making sure Iowa employers can hire the skilled workers they need and helping Iowans get training so that they can fill available jobs.

Republican proposals to eliminate preschool for Iowa children have received a lot of attention this week.

Before Iowa’s statewide preschool program was started, only 19 percent of 3- and 4-year-old children in Iowa had access to a quality preschool education. Today, 60 percent of our kids are able to attend preschool. It’s a popular program that is preparing our youngsters for a brighter future.

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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.