In This Issue
Federal Policy Update
State Policy Update
Legislation
Important Dates

Quick Links

February 3, 2017 

The Iowa Afterschool Alliance regularly monitors policy at the federal, state, and local levels to empower its members to advocate for policies that support afterschool at all levels.

During the state legislative session, we'll provide you with bi-weekly updates on the activities of the Iowa legislature, as well as federal legislation. We will also publish a final legislative update after the Governor's 30 day signing period following the end of session. 

We hope this communication is beneficial to you as you seek to advocate for and support your program at home. 


Federal Policy Update
Federal education policy could see a shake-up with the confirmation of a new secretary of the U.S. Department of Education. Currently under U.S. Senate review through confirmation hearings, Betsy DeVos has been questioned by both Democrats and Republicans regarding her stance on public education. Her confirmation was passed out of the Senate Education Committee and now goes to a full vote by the Senate for final confirmation.

This will be an important role for whomever takes over the reins of the Department of Education given implementation of the new No Child Left Behind Act, the Every Student Succeeds Act. For more coverage of Ms. DeVos' confirmation, visit the Washington Post and Education Week.
State Policy Update
This week the legislature passed a de-appropriations bill that affects funding for the remainder of the 2016-2017 fiscal year. The bill, which was also signed by Governor Branstad this week, cuts $117.8 million from the state budget to cover a budget shortfall.

Among other items, cuts include:
  • $4,527,270 from the Iowa Department of Education
  • $3,000,000 from community colleges
  • $390,984 from College Student Aid Commission
  • $6,135,000 from the Iowa Cultural Trust Fund
To read the full bill, click here.
Legislation
Below is a list of proposed legislation related to before and afterschool programs. You'll find a link to the legislation, a summary of the what the legislation is proposing, the bill sponsor(s), and the most recent actions taken.

House File 28 Adds financial literacy as required curriculum for schools. Sponsored by Representatives Pettengill, Highfill, Maxwell, Fisher, Bacon, Koester, Rizer, R. Taylor, Wills, Baudler, Paustian, Heartsill, Cownie, Watts, Klein, Hinson, Zumbach, and Landon. Referred to House Education Committee. 

Senate File 8 Creates additional funding for school districts serving low-income students to support programs. Sponsored by Senator Quirmbach. Referred to Senate Education Committee and assigned to a subcommittee with Behn, Chelgren, and Quirmbach. 

Senate File 29 Eliminates the Iowa Department of Education. Sponsored by Senator Zaun. Referred to the Senate Education Committee and assigned to a subcommittee with Behn, Quirmbach, and Rozenboom.

Senate File 69 Relates to the determination of preschool budget enrollment for purposes of the statewide preschool program and four-year-old children. Sponsored by Senator Petersen. Referred to Senate Education Committee and assigned to a subcommittee with Behn, Chelgren, and Mathis.

Senate File 87 Allows peace officers to carry weapons on school grounds. Sponsored by Senator Kinney. Referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Senate File 98 Expands statewide preschool program to include certain five-year-old children. Sponsored by Senator Hart. Referred to the Senate Education Committee.

Senate File 121 Provides additional weighting for ELL students who are enrolled in the statewide preschool program. Referred to Senate Education Committee and assigned to a subcommittee with .

Senate File 187 Authorizes the use of school district cash reserve funds for initial year preschool program funding. Referred to Senate Education Committee.
Important Dates
February 14    IAA Afterschool Snack
                         2:30 - 4:00 p.m.
                         Legislative Dining Room

February 15     IAA Legislative Breakfast
                         7:00 - 9:00 a.m.
                         Rm. 116

March 3           First Funnel 
Final date for House bills to be passed out of House committees, and Senate bills out of Senate committees.

March 31         Second Funnel
Final date for Senate bills to be passed out of House committees and House bills to be passed out of Senate committees.

April 28           Target Adjournment Date
100th calendar day of the session and the date per-diem expenses will end.
This update is a bi-weekly publication intended to share information and resources regarding legislative activities, events, and bills related to afterschool issues in Iowa. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Gracie Brandsgard at gbrandsgard@sppg.com
or 515-237-0340.