March 18, 2024

K-12 schools should be top priority

The 2017 session opened last week, and it was exciting to meet many of my colleagues. Iowa is fortunate to have caring and dedicated representatives. After legislative leaders made initial remarks on Monday, we heard the governor’s Condition of the State and Chief Justice Cady’s Condition of the Judiciary. Gov. Branstad spoke about a $100 million budget shortfall facing us this session. It concerns me to hear the governor’s plan for balancing the budget. He wants to make cuts in higher education, Department of Human Services, Medicaid and Corrections.

I believe there is more that we can do this session to support Iowa’s working families and make sure every family gets a fair shot. That means making K-12 schools our top priority again, making child care more affordable for working families, raising the minimum wage, keeping higher education affordable and expanding job training through community colleges and apprenticeships.

In an effort to connect with more Iowans, lawmakers are still requesting Iowans participate in a brief survey about the 2017 session. Please click interspire.iowahdc.info/surveys.php?id=35 to complete the survey and share your views.

In addition to the survey, I will be holding a series of constituent outreach forums around Jasper County to hear about issues important to you. I value your input and want to hear from you. Please watch for the upcoming forums and hope to see you there.

As a strong supporter of our veterans I want to invite all veterans and their families to come to Des Moines on Wednesday for Veterans Day at the Capitol. Throughout the day I would appreciate visiting with veterans to discuss their issues and concerns. Veterans are welcome to meet with representatives of the Veterans Coalition, who will be here to discuss the priorities

It is an honor and privilege to serve the great people of House District 29 and the state of Iowa. Please contact me with any issues and concerns as the session begins. Thank you for allowing me to serve you.

Contact Rep. Wes Breckenridge at
641-521-6714 or wes.breckenridge@legis.iowa.gov