Just a day after approving the education reform bill, House Republicans outlined their shell game to pay for the reforms by taking $20 million from class size reduction funds that Iowa schools already receive.
“Raising class sizes in the early grades is a step in the wrong direction and will counter new efforts to improve literacy before 3rd grade,” said House Democratic Leader Kevin McCarthy of Des Moines. “It’s not just robbing Peter to pay Paul, it’s taking money from a priority that will result in higher class sizes.”
On a party line vote on Thursday, the House Education Committee approved a bill to take $20 million of the $30 million schools receive for class size reduction block grants. The bill, Senate File 2210, now goes to the House floor.
On March 11, 2011, after three days of debate, House Republicans passed a bill that ends collective bargaining in the state of Iowa. Representative Pat Murphy of Dubuque spoke against this bill and stressed the importance of open and honest legislation.
On March 23, 2011, Representative Janet Petersen of Des Moines spoke against a bill that would take away the rights of women. The bill was debated in the government oversight committee.
On February 8, 2011, Representative Andrew Wenthe spoke against a bill which allows 0% allowable growth for schools in Iowa. He stresses that education should be a priority and this bill will hurt schools.
