The following is a legislative update from Democratic Rep. Sharon Steckman, representing District 59 – the eastern half of Cerro Gordo county – in the Iowa Legislature:
As always, I am so appreciative of the support by so many constituents in District 59 that allows me to represent you at the Statehouse for the 2024 session. I am again serving as Ranking Member of the Education Committee; I know that you have been made aware of the huge controversy that has arisen over HSB 542 that would mean the dismantling of the Area Education Association.
I have been overwhelmed (in a good way) by the remarkable response from the public. I can state firmly that I have never seen such a widespread response from teachers, and the professionals who provide so many services to our public schools. And the stories and gratitude expressed by parents have been heartwarming and very moving. They have made a difference and I am grateful. We are waiting for the re-writing of the bill as promised by the Governor. I will provide updates as we receive them.
In addition, we already have twenty-seven bills assigned to Education. Some will hopefully never see the light of day.
My other committees – Natural Resources, Environmental Protection, and State Government – have either been canceled or just met for ten minutes or so. I know that State Government will soon be busy but experience tells me that the other two will produce little or nothing during this session.
Please know that I am continuing to fight for the issues that will improve the lives of the people of Iowa.
I would like to highlight a few events that will again be providing entertainment in North Iowa over the next few weeks:
1st week in February – Winter Dance Party – Surf Ballroom
February 8-11: Mason City High School Follies will give you a chance to appreciate the wonderful talents of our young people.
February 24: “A Knight for Stebens” Fundraiser. I will again provide a prize that includes a U.S, flag that has flown over the Capitol and a certificate for a guided tour of the Statehouse
I look forward to scheduling my next forum so that I can share information in person and hear ideas and concerns from you. Stay tuned.
(TOP PHOTO: “It was a pleasure to see Kim Pang at the Capitol last week!” via Steckman office.)
Reynolds’ desire to dismantle public education doesn’t come from her rather it comes from far right groups whose sole objective is to privatize public education. Who is going to benefit from this plan? The companies who say they know more about educating special needs children than do teachers and education professionals. It has already been shown that the costs for a school district to hire private companies would significantly increase what they are currently charged. So, what will happen? Schools will have to cut services to be fiscally responsible. Keep fighting them Sharon. It already looks like some of the Republicans feel that they should go against the Governor’s plan and you can bet she won’t like that. But, apparently, those politicians are more worried about re-election than pleasing someone who endorsed a losing candidate in the primaries.
Wow Republicans speaking for themselves…..Dems should pay attention and learn
It is amazing, isn’t it? Of course, the easier things to hate that she favors and is trying to dismantle like schools and people’s rights, they will jump right in on that.