DES MOINES – Gov. Reynolds released the following statement after the Iowa Senate voted to advance preK-12 education funding:
“With the Iowa Legislature’s approval of historic preK-12 school funding, we can continue moving forward in preparing our young people for the challenges of a 21st century economy,” said Gov. Reynolds. “I look forward to signing this legislation shortly after it reaches my desk because it’s a critical piece for our local schools districts to have in place as they plan for the next school year. Without question, Iowans are the true winners as a result of this year’s record investment in education.”
The legislation increases funding to public schools by nearly $90 million and that includes $19 million for the transportation equity fund as well as $2.9 million for per-student equity issues.
Meanwhile, Wednesday afternoon, Iowa Senate Democrats blasted the latest education legislation, saying, “today Senate Republicans failed, again, to invest in Iowa’s local schools. They unanimously rejected a Democratic amendment for a 3.0% increase. Instead, Senate Republicans passed a 2.06% increase, less than the cost of inflation, (HF 306). Every time Iowa Republicans cut education, they hurt students and Iowa’s economic future.”
