“Last week, Governor Branstad vetoed school funding. I will be signing a petition calling for a special session of the Iowa Legislature to override the Governor’s veto and make educating Iowa students a top priority.
The $56 million in k-12 school funding was a compromise reached by lawmakers after the House Majority broke the law and refused to set school funding for over a year and a half. I strongly disagree with the Governor’s veto.
I have heard from parents, teachers, and school leaders, and many other interested citizens in Iowa. They have all told me that inadequate school funding will lead to larger class sizes, fewer good teachers, and higher property taxes. The State of Iowa has over $1 billion in surplus and reserves so we certainly have funds available to support our children and provide a strong, quality education to all.
Educating our kids has to be the top priority in Iowa. They are the future of Iowa and our economy depends on it. I’m hopeful we can take quick action, and the House Majority will join us, to avoid cutbacks and end the uncertainty for local schools with a special session.”
