Steckman gives report on 2017 Iowa legislative session

From Rep. Sharon Steckman of Mason City –

We wrapped up the 2017 legislative session early Saturday morning on April 22nd after a marathon 24 hour session.

While there were some areas of bi-partisan work this session, I’m disappointed that majority leaders at the State Capitol ignored many of the key issues facing Iowans this year, especially raising incomes for Iowans and protecting our environment.

When the session began, I looked forward to strengthening Iowa’s working families, building a vibrant economy, adequately funding our public schools, and working toward a plan to improve our water quality.

Unfortunately, Iowa public schools were shortchanged again this year, wages we’re lowered for 65,000 Iowans, a budget surplus became a $250 million deficit, and everyday Iowans who are working hard are still not getting ahead.

Over the interim, I’ll keep listening to you and begin work on ideas for the 2018 session. I’m committed to working together and building an economy and an environment that works for all Iowa families.

If you have any ideas or suggestions, I hope you will contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.

K-12 School Investment 3rd Lowest in Iowa History

Iowa schools will get the 3rd lowest increase in basic state funding in Iowa’s history next year. That’s according to the plan approved by Republican lawmakers this session. The shortfall in school funding again next year means seven of the last eight years have been the lowest funding levels in the history of Iowa.

Signed in to law by Governor Branstad, basic K-12 school funding, called State Supplemental Aid (SSA), was increased by just 1.11% for 2017-18 school year. That level would increase the state cost per pupil would increase from $6,591 to $6,664 (or $73). The bill was approved despite the objection of school leaders who said they will be forced to raise class sizes, cut teachers, and reduce opportunities for students.

After years of underfunding, some small rural school districts have reached the tipping point and more schools will close. Education continues to not be the priority since Republicans are now spending over $500 million in new corporate tax giveaways starting this year while their funding plan for half a million public school kids is less than 1/10th of that for next year.

Iowa Cracks Down on Distracted Driving

Iowa has joined the majority of other states in the country that have stricter laws for drivers who text and drive.

Previously, Iowans could not be pulled over for only texting while driving, unless they committed another offense for the purpose of the stop. Iowa was one 1 of 5 states in the country that enforced texting while driving in that manner.

According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), there were 1,100 total crashes in 2015 as a result of distracted driving by use of a phone or other devices. Of those crashes, 14 resulted in fatalities and there were 601 injuries.

The new law will still allow someone to talk on their phone and does not require the phone to be in hands-free mode while operating. Similar legislation that required a mobile device be in hands-free mode pass the House Transportation committee earlier in the legislative session, but never made it to the floor of the Iowa House.