Rep. Derek Wulf (R-Hudson),

As we dive rapidly into week three of the 90th General Assembly 2024 legislative session in the Iowa House of Representatives, I am reminded that just a year ago, new members, new positions, and new committee assignments were just being sorted out at this time. This year is off to a much more brisk start as the 100 day clock is quickly ticking by. We have already seen the first deadline for individual bills to be filed pass by last week and we are rapidly approaching the first funnel coming up in early February. And of course, I would be remiss to neglect to recognize the Iowa GOP for a great showing last week as the country watched for our “first in the nation” republican caucus that went off without a hitch on a blustery January night. I was proud to serve as a precinct chair amongst so many others across the state to demonstrate that in Iowa, we know best how to manage a fair, efficient, and well- run election process to assure grassroots politics make a difference.

In week one, we heard the Governor lay out her priorities for this session in the Condition of the State address, and one receiving the most attention was the bill reforming Area Education Agencies. I continue to listen to concerns and suggestions from local constituents here in District 76 as well as Iowans across the state and I am appreciative of all the feedback as we make this bill better through the legislative process. This bill has a long way to go and I assure you I will not be voting for a bill that leaves school districts without the essential services currently provided by the AEAs. I do believe this is an important discussion however that is well overdue. Despite Iowa spending over $5,300 more per pupil on special education funding than the national average, we’ve ranked 30th or worse in 9 of the 12 national assessments on special education performance and we must do better.

After hearing some of the facts about AEAs, it is apparent they have become too big, too expensive, and too distracted. It’s worth noting that Iowa is the only state that requires school districts to send money straight to the AEAs whether they are utilizing their services or not. In our District 76 alone, that accounts for over $11.8 million yearly that is required to pass directly from our school districts without any oversight for the AEAs and leaves little for accountability, for example, the average AEA Chief receives total compensation of $309,667 yearly on average. Last week the Governor announced she will be introducing an amendment to the bill after the feedback we have been able to give her coming from our local areas and I will keep you updated as this bill continues down the legislative process as well as work to make sure our concerns here are accounted for.

Committee work is also off and running and we are starting to get our hands on the proposed legislation that will be up for discussion this year. This year, I serve as Vice Chair on the Agriculture committee, as well as serving on Transportation, State Government, Ways and Means, and Agriculture Appropriations committees. I will be highlighting one committee each week in my newsletter to give an idea of what legislation is being considered in each and their progress as we move to floor debate with bills coming out of committee work.

To wrap up, last week the Iowa House passed a resolution to affirm the State of Iowa’s support for Israel. The resolution also condemned the brutal attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians on October 7, 2023, that resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 Israelis and I was proud to sign on to this important resolution with other members of the Iowa House.

Check out next week’s “Wulf’s Weekly Roundup” as we highlight subcommittee and committee work and as always, feel free to reach out to share concerns or discussion this session. Also, if you find yourself making a trip to our great State Capitol this session, please make sure to stop in and say hello.

Rep. Wulf’s district, Iowa House District 76, includes the communities of Traer, Dysart, and Buckingham in Tama County. He can be reached via email: DEREK.WULF@LEGIS.IOWA.GOV