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School Funding Fits Into State Budget Plans

Senate Democrats continue to get public support for our compromise proposal to increase basic school funding next school year by 2.625 percent. That’s exactly halfway between the original Senate and House proposals.

Unfortunately, legislative Republicans refuse to budge, despite widespread reports that their proposal for a meager 1.25 percent increase in school funding would result in more crowded classrooms, fewer course offerings and extracurricular activities, and higher property taxes.

The refusal of House Republicans to consider a compromise puts school districts in the impossible position of setting budget priorities before their April 15 deadline without knowing how much money they have to work with. In some school districts, layoff notices already are being sent to teachers and other school employees. One school in central Iowa plans to send out layoff notices to 100 percent of its employees because it doesn’t know what its budget will be for the 2015-16 school year.

Senate Democrats released our overall state budget plan this week. Our plan proves that it is possible to invest in students and schools while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Our budget plan is identical in total general fund spending to Governor Branstad’s budget, and includes our compromise offer to increase school funding by 2.625 percent.

We are constantly raising expectations for students and educators. We must provide them the opportunities to meet those expectations through strong local schools focused on 21st Century learning. Please continue to make your voice heard on school funding that will prepare our students for the jobs, training and higher education to grow Iowa’s future.

School Funding Fits Into State Budget Plans

Senate Democrats continue to get public support for our compromise proposal to increase basic school funding next school year by 2.625 percent. That’s exactly halfway between the original Senate and House proposals.

Unfortunately, legislative Republicans refuse to budge, despite widespread reports that their proposal for a meager 1.25 percent increase in school funding would result in more crowded classrooms, fewer course offerings and extracurricular activities, and higher property taxes.

The refusal of House Republicans to consider a compromise puts school districts in the impossible position of setting budget priorities before their April 15 deadline without knowing how much money they have to work with. In some school districts, layoff notices already are being sent to teachers and other school employees. One school in central Iowa plans to send out layoff notices to 100 percent of its employees because it doesn’t know what its budget will be for the 2015-16 school year.

Senate Democrats released our overall state budget plan this week. Our plan proves that it is possible to invest in students and schools while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Our budget plan is identical in total general fund spending to Governor Branstad’s budget, and includes our compromise offer to increase school funding by 2.625 percent.

We are constantly raising expectations for students and educators. We must provide them the opportunities to meet those expectations through strong local schools focused on 21st Century learning. Please continue to make your voice heard on school funding that will prepare our students for the jobs, training and higher education to grow Iowa’s future.