In This Issue
State Policy Update
IAA Action Center
Legislation
Important Dates

Quick Links

February 17, 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. 


State Policy Update
Bill on Collective Bargaining
This week the legislature spent most of the week debating a bill concerning collective bargaining rights for public employees. Both chambers debated the bill Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with the Senate pulling an all-nighter on Wednesday before debate was cut off and final votes were held Thursday. 

The bill was ultimately passed by both the House and Senate and was signed by Governor Branstad today. Click here to read the full bill.

IAA Legislative Events
Despite the focus on collective bargaining this week, the IAA hosted two legislative events at the Capitol, an afterschool snack and a legislative breakfast. IAA board members, program staff, and students met with legislators to share successes from their local programs and IAA legislative priorities. A more in-depth update on the events will be included in the next legislative update.
IAA Action Center
Welcome to the IAA Action Center! 

Here you will find information on where and how to connect with your legislator, talking points on the importance of afterschool, and easy things you can do to be a champion of afterschool.

Throughout the legislative session, elected officials across the state host forums open to the public. These forums are an opportunity for you to meet your legislators, receive updates from them on what's happening at the State Capitol, and share your thoughts with them on issues that matter to you (like afterschool!).

Click on one of the links below to find a legislative forum near you.


Not sure what to say at a legislative forum? Check out these one pagers on afterschool, summer, and STEM for help.


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.
Referred to House Education Committee and assigned to a subcommittee with Carlin, Mommsen, and Staed.

House File 48 Relates to the collection and sharing of student data by the department of education, school districts, and accredited nonpublic schools. 
Referred to the House Education Committee and assigned to a subcommittee with Salmon, Gassman, and Steckman.

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

Senate File 29 Eliminates the Iowa Department of Education.
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.
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.
Passed out of subcommittee and returned to the Senate Judiciary Committee for a vote.

Senate File 98 Expands statewide preschool program to include certain five-year-old children.
Referred to the Senate Education Committee and assigned to a subcommittee with Sinclair, Hart, and Kraayenbrink.

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 Behn, Chelgren, and Hart.

Senate File 187 Authorizes the use of school district cash reserve funds for initial year preschool program funding.
 Referred to Senate Education Committee and assigned to a subcommittee with Behn, Chelgren, and Danielson.
Important Dates
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.