From Rep. Sharon Steckman –
With many thanks to my constituents, I am back at the Statehouse this week for the second year of the 86th Assembly. My greatest hope for this session is that we follow the Iowa law which states that the legislature is required to pass funding for our public schools no later than February 12.
On Tuesday, the Governor gave his State of the State message. There are differences in the amounts proposed for schools by the Governor and by the leadership of each chamber. Again, my desire is that the law is followed and, within the month remaining before the deadline, we are able to arrive at a figure that will provide stable and adequate funding for the education of our kids.
Also, in Iowa, there are young children on waiting lists anxious to begin four-year-old preschool classes. I would like to see programs expanded so that waiting lists are eliminated. A four-year old on a waiting list is an opportunity lost.
At the other end of the educational ladder are community colleges. Last year, our community colleges received no additional funding. The Governor has proposed $3 million this year, but I would hope that, during the 50th anniversary of our community college system, we could do better. These schools provide invaluable job training and continuing education for high school graduates, young adults and those non-traditional students who are re-entering the job market!
I will be commenting on other areas of interest as the weeks go by.