(NIT photo)
The following is a legislative update from Republican State Rep. Shannon Latham, representing portions of Franklin, Hamilton, Story and Wright counties in Iowa House District 55:
The second week of the 91st Iowa General Assembly convened January 13, 2025.
Iowa House Takes First Floor Votes of 2025 Session
Iowa House members took their first votes of the of the 2025 legislative session during the third week of session. This week also was especially busy with committee and subcommittee meetings.
At the beginning of the week, the House Ways and Means Committee passed a bill that would place a five-year moratorium on developing casinos. Current law requires the state racing and gaming commission to conduct a socioeconomic study every eight years on the impact of gambling on Iowans. House File 144 identifies specific topics the commission must examine for this socioeconomic study. This bill was debated Thursday, Jan. 30, on the House floor. The bill passed 68 to 31, with one member absent.
Two other bills that passed off the House floor on Jan. 30 will honor and improve the lives of Iowa National Guard members:
- House File 117 passed the Iowa House unanimously with 99 ayes and one representative absent or not voting. This bill creates the National Guard Service Professional Qualification Scholarship Program to cover the cost of certain educational programs approved by the adjutant general and administered by a community college, regent university, or private institution. This could include programs leading to certifications in cyber security, information technology (IT), emergency medical services or others relevant to their service.
- House File 118 will improve efficiency in the distribution of funds and could potentially free up dollars for more recipients of National Guard Service Scholarships. It passed the Iowa House unanimously with 99 ayes and one representative absent or not voting.
Update on State Supplemental Aid (SSA) for Schools
The Governor and the Iowa Senate have stated publicly that they support a 2% increase in State Supplemental Aid (SSA), which is the per-pupil state aid for K-12 schools. The Iowa House Republican caucus is still considering other options to increase school funding, such as operational sharing and transportation equity.
Commerce Committee Hears from Iowa Utilities Commission
This chair of the Iowa Utilities Commission this week presented to the House Commerce Committee on which I serve. Commission Chair Erik Helland provided an overview of its organization, areas of oversight and entities regulated, and current dockets. General areas of oversight are electricity, natural gas, water, telecommunications, infrastructure protection, and safety. This overview will help the Commerce Committee prepare as Gov. Reynolds proposes legislation this session to advance nuclear energy, as well as ensure Investor-Owned Utilities (IOUs) file integrated resource plans.
Constituents in the Capitol
I always say that I can’t represent you if I don’t hear from you, so I welcome visits from constituents at the statehouse. This week I had the opportunity to visit with Mike Krueger, superintendent of West Fork Community School District (CSD), and Jenn Peter, superintendent for Belmond-Klemme CSD.
To visit me at the Capitol, please send a note in through the House chamber doors. It helps if you leave the time you’re writing the note. If I’m not available, please leave your phone number if you want me to return your call.
(TOP PHOTO: “This week I met with superintendents from West Fork and Belmond-Klemme to discuss school school funding and school start dates.”)
1 thought on “Rep. Shannon Latham says Republican legislators unsure how to fund increased spending on Iowa schools”
Perhaps you could use the millions you are funneling into private schools to fund public schools rather than wringing your hands saying “I just don’t think we have enough money”.