by Senator Lynn Evans
Last week was the third week of the legislative session, and the work definitely kicked up as we had a full week of subcommittees scheduled.
On Monday, we started the week with the Rally for Life. Iowa’s pro-life advocates rallied at the state Capitol, highlighting the achievements over the last several years to protect and defend the right to life in the state of Iowa.
We also received policy language for Governor Kim Reynolds’ cell phone policy in schools. For many years now, we have been focused on how we can improve achievement in schools, make classrooms a better place for learning, and ensure schools are concentrating on preparing students for success both in school and out of it. Cell phone use in the classroom is one aspect of this conversation.
Senate Republicans released our funding proposal for the next school year, proposing a $235 million increase for K-12 students. The increase in state funding is in addition to the budget passed last year, meaning state aid for schools coming from the state budget is $4.2 billion. It is also the same amount proposed by Governor Reynolds. Senate Study Bill 1053 continues our dedication to responsible budgeting and our commitment to Iowa students. The proposed increases for education funding goes to help all Iowa students. With state funding alone, we are spending $7,983 per student in Iowa. This proposed increase in funding continues our conservative budgeting practices and does so in a timely matter so schools across the state can start planning their budgets.
In addition to Supplemental State Aid, bills are working through the system to help address schools affected by the recent natural disasters. One bill allows for schools that lost student enrollment due to a natural disaster to remain on the budget guarantee for one additional year. This keeps those school districts’ budgets whole as they work on recovery from a natural disaster.
Another bill working through the system will allow school districts flexibility to use the Management Fund for either early retirement incentives OR teacher recruitment. This is a change in Iowa Code that allows school districts to recruit teachers into high needs or hard to fill areas.
Week 3 saw several visitors to the Capitol. I always enjoy meeting with people from back home. If you are intending to make a trip to the Capitol in Des Moines, please reach out in advance and we can arrange a tour!
It is an honor to serve Senate District 3. I look forward to visiting with constituents at our upcoming forums.