SAVE: The Iowa House passed a bill this week to extend funding for SAVE (Secure an Advanced Vision for Education). SAVE began in 2008 and helps pay for school infrastructure improvements. The legislation would extend SAVE another 20 years. Superintendents in Jasper County and across Iowa have appealed to legislators for many years to extend or remove the sunset of this provision which has been so successful in helping schools improve offerings to students. The plan under consideration would extend the one-cent local sales tax for school infrastructure through 2051 instead of expiring in 2031.
The bill would also allocate a portion of the funds for property tax relief between two different funds, one to school districts with low valuations and one for property tax relief to all school districts. A separate Career Academy competitive grant fund is established to help build job training facilities, similar to our very successful Career Academy in Jasper County.
More transparency is provided in the plan by allowing voters to re-approve the district’s revenue purpose statement. If SAVE funds are going to be obligated for 20-year bonds, school boards must hold a public hearing and give citizens an opportunity to petition for a direct vote of the people. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. In past years, the SAVE extension has stalled there, but prospects for the bill look more positive this year.
Iowa CareGivers: The organization Iowa Caregivers was at the State House this week to increase awareness of their important work. Iowa's direct care workforce (DCW) provides supportive services and care to Iowans of all ages and abilities. Virtually all of us come in contact with caregivers frequently as they help us, our families, and our neighbors negotiate the tasks of life that may be too difficult to perform alone. They assist people with disabilities, older Iowans, children with special needs, military veterans and Iowans hospitalized due to accident, illness or surgery. Approximately 65,000 people, mostly women, work as caregivers in Iowa.
The wages are typically low, between $9 to $13 per hour, which makes for high turnover and workforce shortages. Not only does the shortage affect those who need care, but also businesses whose employees must leave their jobs for caretaking responsibilities. The problem only looks to become worse. It’s estimated the growth rate for this industry will grow more than 30 percent nationwide in the next decade.
Iowa CareGivers’ mission is to enhance care and support to Iowa care providers by providing them education, research, recognition and advocacy. We need to do more for those caring for our loved ones and ensure these rolls can be filled by passionate individuals.
HJR 13: a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Iowa relating to the right of people to keep and bear arms, passed out of the House Chamber. As a strong supporter of our fundamental right to keep and bear arms, I was pleased to see this discussion come forth. A concern of mine was the wording of the resolution put forth. This wording appears problematic for many and could hinder its ability to make it into the Constitution of the State of Iowa.
For that reason, I supported an amendment (H-1016) which would have virtually assured the 2nd Amendment would become part of the State of Iowa Constitution. This amendment used the exact wording of our United States 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Those sacred words from our founding fathers have stood the test of time and we should be proud to have them in the Constitution of the State of Iowa. This language has been court tested and upheld as an individual fundamental right to keep and bear arms.