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

Quick Links

April 14, 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
Now that the second funnel has passed, the legislature's attention has turned towards Appropriations bills and looking toward adjournment later this month.

The House Appropriations Committee has introduced appropriations bills for Education and Federal Block Grants. The Senate Appropriations Committee introduced an appropriations bill for Transportation. More detail on both of these bills can be found in the Legislation section below.
 
Want to know more about the budget process? This chart outlines the process for you.

Other helpful budget links:
IAA Action Center
IAA Advocacy Workshops
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.

Check out our upcoming workshops and click one of the links to RSVP!

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

There is no cost to attending a workshop and 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 642 Department of Education Appropriations.
Also funds the College Student Aid Commissions, Department for the Blind, and the State Board of Regents. Highlights of the budget include:
  • A $2.8 million decrease to the College Student Aid Commission
  • A decrease of $56.5 million to the Department of Education
  • $1.4 million decrease for the Child Development Program
  • $284,000 decrease to Iowa Public Television
  • $175,000 decrease for Early Literacy - Successful Progression for Early Readers
  • Rescinds statutory requirements regarding summer reading programs and requirements for third grade retention
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.

Senate File 497 Transportation Department Appropriations

Senate File 498 Federal Block Grant Appropriations bill.
Highlights include:

  • $49.5 million to DHS for the Child Care and Development Block Grant
  • $4.1 million to the Community Mental Health Services Block Grant
  • $7.7 million to the Department of Human Rights for the Community Services Block Grant
Important Dates
April 18           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 [email protected]
or 515-237-0340.