Educators to Re-Elect Senator Mike Gronstal

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.

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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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.