by Senator Lynn Evans
We finished up the fourth week of this year’s session, and remained as busy as ever as we worked on several major priorities in the legislature.
It was a pleasure to meet with students from all across the district during FFA Day on the Hill on Tuesday. The FFA Chapter from Sioux Central spent time with me and gave me information on some innovative agriculture classes that are being offered and how they should be also considered as part of the science curriculum for graduation requirements. They made some very compelling points!
I had the opportunity to meet JD Bumgarner and his family at the Capitol this week. JD is a very creative entrepreneur from Spencer. He is the owner and operator of JD’s Creations specializing in metal artwork. He got his start in metal artwork through the Bucket of Junk project in 4-H and supported by the Iowa State Extension Services. From there the dream of starting his own business was born. JD has an incredible life story. I encourage anyone ever in the Spencer area to stop in and see all of JD’s wonderful works.
Area Education Agencies (AEA) reforms passed a Senate subcommittee this week. We appreciate the parents, educators, superintendents, administrators, and all who came to voice their opinion and give us their perspective. This is how we can best find a solution and progress on this issue for the benefit of all Iowa students. This bill still needs considerable change in the language of the bill before there is any consideration to advance it further. The focus needs to be on improving student achievement and ensuring that the over $529 million dollars of taxpayer funding for AEA services is getting to the classrooms to support student needs in an efficient and effective manner.
Another major education proposal that moved forward this week is Senate Study Bill 3069. SSB 3069 relates to the science of reading and ensures Iowa students are not only better prepared for their education and their careers later in life, but also makes sure they are being taught using reading instruction that is evidence-based.
Some pieces of legislation that I am proud to have drafted and has been moved through subcommittee:
SF 270: An act relating to the criminal offense of being found an accessory after the fact in the case of a murder. The bill increased the penalty from an aggravated misdemeanor to a class D felony.
SF 2075: This bill increases the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program from a minimum of 10 instructional hours per week to 20 instructional hours per week over a two-year period. Funding would also increase from the current 0.5 FTE per pupil funding to 1.0 FTE per pupil funding over a two year period. This would be targeted for students from families that meet 185% of the federal poverty limit.
SF 2105: An act to increase the cap on operational sharing funds from 21 FTE to 29 FTE with the increase of funding to support it. This encourages school districts to share positions that are often times difficult to fill or very expensive. School resource officers, guidance counselors and social workers and school psychologists were recently added to the list of eligible positions. Raising the cap gives schools the financial resources to provide a safe and orderly environment for their students.
HF 255: I am working with a House member on advancing this bill in the Senate. It is a bill that modifies the requirements for licensure through the teacher intern license program. This is to help get more teachers into the teaching field coming out of other professions in an effort to address teacher shortages.
It is an honor to serve Iowa Senate district 3 and to be a voice for rural Northwest Iowa at the Capitol. Please reach out anytime with questions or concerns at lynn.evans@legis.iowa.gov