Legislative update from Rep. Sharon Steckman

From Rep. Sharon Steckman –

Last February, over 300,000 Iowans caucused for their choice to be the next President of the United States. On Tuesday, June 7th, Iowans will have the chance to pick their party’s nominee for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House, State Senate, State House, and county positions for the general election in November.

While the caucuses are a unique form of choosing a candidate, primary elections are conducted the same way as a general election.

In order to vote in a primary election, an eligible voter must be registered with a political party to ensure they get the right ballot. If a person is not registered or registered as an independent, they can register to vote at their correct polling place the day of the election.

In order to register at the polls, the eligible voter must have a photo ID, like a driver’s license. If a person does not have a driver’s license they can bring one of the following: Iowa non driver ID, out of state driver’s license or non-driver ID card, U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, ID card issued by employer, or a student ID issued by an Iowa high school or college. If the photo ID does not include an address, the potential voter must have a proof of residency like a utility bill.

Eligible voters can find out if they are registered to vote at: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/regtovote/search.aspx.

Voters can find their polling locations here: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterreg/pollingplace/search.aspx.

Polls are open from 7am to 9pm on Election Day.

Addressing Iowa’s Skilled Workforce

Iowa’s Career and Technical Education program (CTE) offered in high schools will now be aligned with national standards coordinated with community colleges under a bill that was signed into law at Hawkeye Community College.

The goal of the bill is to close Iowa’s skilled shortage gap by promoting apprenticeship programs, which are essential to careers that require additional training beyond high school, but not necessarily a four-year degree.

Regional CTE Planning Partnerships will be developed to include input from businesses, industry leaders, school districts, community colleges and area education agencies. The legislation essentially modernizes Iowa law to govern vocational classes offered at high schools and in conjunction with community colleges that have not been updated since the 1980’s.

Career Planning for Students Overhauled

The current career and academic plan that all 8th grade students must complete before moving on to high school is also being revamped. The new plan will be coordinated with a team of educators (not just a single student counselor) and better prepare the student for successful completion of the high school core curriculum. The plan will require parents or guardians to sign off on the plan.