Des Moines, Iowa ñ After educators from around Iowa warned legislators of the dire consequences of inaction and zero growth for schools on Monday, House Republicans ignored their local educators and refused to stop schools from handing out pink slips to teachers today.|(From Rep. Sharon Steckman)
Des Moines, Iowa ñ After educators from around Iowa warned legislators of the dire consequences of inaction and zero growth for schools on Monday, House Republicans ignored their local educators and refused to stop schools from handing out pink slips to teachers today.
“With schools planning to hand out pink slips to over 1,500 teachers, it’s outrageous that House Republicans are doing nothing to stop teacher layoffs at schools across Iowa,” said Rep. Sharon Steckman, D-Mason City. “With a $1 billion state surplus and improving economy, the state can provide modest growth for our schools next year and prevent teacher layoffs.”
Rep. Steckman called for an immediate debate and vote of House File 185, which provides a 2% allowable growth for Iowa schools. It has already been approved by the Senate but it was voted down on a party line vote in the Iowa House today.
“Iowa students and teachers deserve better,” concluded Steckman. “We can balance the state budget without leaving our kids behind.”
