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

Quick Links

April 1, 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
Second Funnel Week
The second "funnel" of session occurs today. Bills need to be reported out of committees in the chamber from which they did not originate. In order to advance, the Senate bills needed to be reported out of House committees and House bills needed to be reported out of Senate committees, with exceptions for appropriations bills, ways and means bills, government oversight bills, and bills from leadership. If bills are not passed out, they are considered "dead" and cannot be debated or voted on.

The bills no longer being considered after the funnel have been removed from the Legislation section below. 
Federal Policy Update
21CCLC Funding
President Trump's proposed 2018 budget cuts funding for 21CCLC afterschool and summer programs completely. The budget justifies the cut because "the programs lacks [sic] strong evidence of meeting its objectives, such as improving student achievement." 21CCLC funding is the only federal funding dedicated solely to supporting afterschool programs. Without it, over 7,000 kids in Iowa would lose access to afterschool (click here to see more).

Looking for more information on 21CCLC programs and their impact on students and communities? Click here to check out our fact sheet.

Click here to read a statement from Jodi Grant, Executive Director of the Afterschool Alliance.
IAA Action Center
Sign a Letter to Support 21CCLC Programs
With the President's "skinny budget" proposing the elimination of afterschool funding for 1.6 million students, and House and Senate Appropriations subcommittees beginning the FY18 spending process, we are asking for your support of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative. 

Please see our organizational sign-on letter (at the link below) calling for at least current funding of $1.16 billion for 21st CCLC within the FY18 House and Senate spending bills.
 
To add your organization to the letter, please go here:

IAA Advocacy Trainings
Join the Iowa Afterschool Alliance to learn more about the legislative process, issues affecting afterschool, and how you can be a champion for youth.

You'll leave with concrete actions you can take to advocate for the issues you care about and tons of resources to help you along the way.

Mark your calendars for our upcoming trainings!

May 5th
Storm Lake
10 - 1pm

May 12th
Waukee
11 - 2pm

May 9th 
Cedar Rapids
10 - 1pm
May 17th 
Mason City
10 - 1pm
May 10th
Red Oak
10 - 1pm
May 19th 
Ottumwa
10 - 1pm

Lunch will be provided to all attendees.
 
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 565 Authorizes the establishment of school district flexibility fund accounts. Passed the House 95-0, is currently in the Senate Education Committee.

Senate File 218 Allows peace officers to carry weapons on school grounds. 
Passed out of committee and placed on the Senate debate calendar.
 
Senate File 455 Adds a supplementary weighting plan for certain district transportation costs to program cost per pupil calculations. Passed the Senate 47-0, passed out of the House Appropriations Committee.
Important Dates
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.