I was proud to stand with teachers, kids, and parents last week by opposing a deal reached by House Republican leaders that will shortchange public schools next year. I believe it’s time for our public schools to be the top priority of the Iowa Legislature again.
I’ve talked with many teachers and administrators throughout Jasper County about the Republican proposal. There is serious concern from educators and parents in each of the school districts I represent. I share their concern and vote accordingly.
Our schools have waited for far too long, but I believe we have to do better. Years of stagnant state investment in our public schools by House Republicans have real consequences for our schools, including teacher layoffs, higher class sizes, outdated technology, and old textbooks for kids. For the last six years, Republicans have broken state law and put Iowa schools on the back burner. As a result, our public schools have received the lowest funding levels in Iowa history and, unfortunately, the deal approved by House Republicans last week is no different.
We’ve already heard from school leaders across the state about the impact of the Republican deal. In Davenport, they have to cut $5.5 million which means closing a school and reducing at least 24 teachers and staff. In Cedar Rapids, they will eliminate 12 high school teachers and Des Moines has already eliminated 70 positions due to budget uncertainty. Under the Republican deal, at least one in three Iowa school districts will be forced to raise property taxes to make up for inadequate state funding.
House Republicans were two years behind in setting basic funding for public schools, often called “State Supplemental Aid” or “Allowable Growth.” Democrats had approved 4 percent earlier in the session, and the House passed 2 percent, creating a conference committee formed to reach a resolution. While over 400 days late, the deal reached this week means schools will get just a 2.25 percent increase next year. Many school leaders have already said the deal does not provide enough to keep up with rising costs.
According to Iowa law, public school funding was to be set by lawmakers last session. The law requires public school funding be set first, 18 months in advance, so schools can plan and prepare children for today’s competitive workforce. This year marks the sixth year in a row that House Republicans have refused to follow the law.
While the issue is resolved for the upcoming school year, the school funding deadline has already passed for the 2017-2018 school year and Republican leaders say they are unlikely to bring the bill up before adjourning for the year.
Republicans are quick to claim the state doesn’t have enough money to adequately invest in public schools this year, but the reality is they’ve ignored public schools to make room for over $750 million in corporate tax cuts the last several years. The bottom line is the Republican school funding deal will reduce opportunities for 560,000 kids in Iowa public schools who don’t get a second chance at school.
Earlier this month, on March 10, the Iowa Utilities Board approved a permit for Dakota Access to build a pipeline across Iowa, granting the company the power of eminent domain. A 37.3 mile segment of the crude oil pipeline is slated to run diagonally from northwestern Jasper County to the southeastern portion.
The IUB is out of step with most Iowans. Three out of every four Iowans polled believe that a private, for-profit company should not be allowed to condemn land for a privately-owned pipeline.
I’m committed to doing everything I can to see that such legislation passes the Iowa House. The first step I’m taking is to talk with key Republicans, who control the House, about hosting a public hearing on the matter, so lawmakers can hear how Iowans feel about the issue — whether they’re for or against the pipeline.
• Contact Rep. Kelley at
641-521-9260 or dan.kelley@legis.iowa.gov