House Journal: Page 40: Tuesday, January 15, 2002
The actions we have taken these past three years have made Iowa a better,
stronger, and fairer place.
To abandon those commitments now will compromise our efforts to provide hope,
protect family security, and ensure a brighter future. This is too high a price to pay.
To continue making education priority number one in Iowa, we must maintain
levels of support for our class size reduction and teacher support programs, we must
add additional state support for our kindergarten through twelve system and our
community colleges, and we must add to the private college tuition grant programs,
and at the same time, fully fund regent salaries and bring back the work study
programs. This will not be easy, but it is necessary.
A recent debate has centered on the state’s reserve account, commonly referred to
as the surplus or Rainy Day Fund-both in terms of when and for what purpose we
should use the fund.
After listening to Iowans in all 99 counties, I know what most of them think it
should be used for-to protect the priorities of Iowa families during challenging times-
starting with education.
First, let me be clear:
The budget I submit to you will be balanced. At the end of the year our surplus will
exceed $400 million-or close to 8% of our general fund budget. This exceeds the
national average for states.
I do not propose that at the end of the year we reduce the fund from its present
level, but when we are faced with a steep national recession that threatens our ability
to fund our children’s education, I see no reason to significantly add to the fund at the
expense of our children.
Today, I propose this year we dedicate an amount equal to the year’s deposit
contributed to the surplus account to help keep education Iowa priority number one.
This fund would help pay for the additional support required at all levels to preserve
our progress in providing a world-class education for all of our children. If we fail to do
so, children in Iowa today will forever lose an opportunity they will be unable to
reclaim when prosperity returns.
A better future for Iowa also depends on our commitment to early childhood
learning and literacy. Research shows that children begin learning at birth. We need
to do an even better job than we have in early childhood learning and literacy. We
need to build upon the progress made to empower parents, teachers, and childcare
providers.
I am proud that our First Lady already is leading this fight for early literacy in
Iowa. Christie and her "Iowa Stories" communities and sponsors have raised enough
money to provide every child of kindergarten age in Iowa with a special gift this
Spring-a book of their very own. "I is for Iowa," written by an Iowan about Iowa, is an
alphabet book that will not only reinforce early learning but will also teach youngsters
about their state. Accompanying the book will be a map prepared by the Department
of Cultural Affairs for parents so they can plan long weekends or summer vacation
© 2002 Cornell College and
League of Women Voters of Iowa
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