As funnel week approaches, it is important that legislation begins moving forward, and we keep making progress on the issues Iowans have brought to us over the last several months. Last week the Senate considered many proposals between the subcommittees and committees scheduled.
Monday brought the Iowa caucuses, which has historically been considered one of the most critical components in the election process. This meant many of us stayed home in our districts Monday so we could participate. I had the privilege of serving as the caucus chairman at my own local precinct. Since 1972, Iowa has been the first in the nation to hold the caucus. Caucuses are a great time to get involved at the local level, talk with candidates and have a voice in grassroots politics.
As the legislative session progresses, the Capitol continues to be busy. Throughout the week, the Senate had over 50 subcommittees scheduled, along with a full committee schedule. As our first deadline gets closer, we have been busy talking through bills and ideas and getting feedback from Iowans. We talked about a wide variety of topics. The Health and Human Services Committee passed SSB 3083, a bill that eliminates barriers to access for Iowans needing step-down mental health services, while lessening the burden on our emergency departments and other health care facilities. The Transportation Committee discussed SSB 3024, which would require the verification of citizenship and immigration status for a person who applies for or renews a driver’s license or identification card.
On Wednesday, the Capitol rotunda hosted Iowa State University. The displays and discussions indicated the importance of educating Iowans, keeping Iowans in Iowa, and continuing to innovate and grow the economy. Some of the displays focused heavily on the development of artificial intelligence, not only in education, but in the workforce as well. Agriculture, the state’s leading economic driver, is an area where AI can be incredibly helpful. Iowa State University is working on developing technology that can detect the types of plants, whether they are native or invasive, as well as if crops have a form of disease that will impact the yield. Additionally, drones can be used to ensure crops are healthy and to apply chemical treatment when necessary.
Property tax relief continues to be a conversation at the Capitol. As we discuss our proposals, we continue to get feedback from Iowans, local governments and other stakeholders on the best path forward. The focus of this legislation is to help Iowans achieve the American dream right here in Iowa, make homeownership more affordable, and ensure our property tax system is working for the everyday Iowan. Under the Senate proposal, when you’re done making payments on your home and you’re at least 60 years of age, you’re done paying involuntary property taxes, and you will truly own your home. Our proposal also includes a 50% permanent taxable discount benefit to most homeowners and automatically decreases your property tax levy when property inflation is above 2%.
Iowa is currently ranked as the tenth worst state for property taxes. We are working to improve that rating by providing a proposal that overhauls the property tax system, recognizes the difference between rural and suburban Iowa, and brings real relief to Iowans. We have a plan that truly focuses on those homestead Iowans, and we are excited to continue talking to Iowans about our proposal as the session moves forward.
Senate releases education funding proposal
One of the first things the legislature tackles each year is K-12 education funding. Since 2017, Republicans have appropriated over $1.23 billion in new dollars for K-12 education. This year, the Senate is proposing an increase of nearly $100 million for the next school year, which would bring total spending on K-12 education by the state to $4.35 billion.
Ensuring a quality education is a priority of Iowans, and parents always want the best for their kids. Senate Republicans have demonstrated our commitment to fiscal responsibility by providing responsible increases to K-12 education funding, while also returning the focus to teaching the fundamentals Iowa students need to learn to be successful. Under this proposal, the state would be spending $8,133 per student in Iowa, not including local or federal sources of money. With billions of dollars invested in Iowa students, Republicans have also passed bills over the last several years to prepare kids for the future and help ensure they have the tools they need to succeed later in life. This last fall, we started to see results from some of those reforms with absenteeism rates decreasing, reading proficiency rates improving, and more high school seniors engaging in work-based learning activities.
Senate Republicans want the best schools, and we want Iowa kids to have access to the best education. We have dedicated billions of dollars to K-12 education, along with several pieces of legislation to help improve Iowa’s schools and ensure Iowa students are prepared for the future. This proposal continues our commitment to Iowa’s education and aims to get schools a budget in a timely manner.
Email: lynn.evans@legis.iowa.gov
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