Iowa Legislature Public Hearings

Gregg Cruickshank [Sidney Community Schools and South Page Community Schools]

CON

I am the shared superintendent for the two districts listed.

Tim Salmon [United CSD]

CON

I would like to speak to the impact of 1.11 funding will have on our school district.

gary ruderman []

CON

I opposed the funding capWe teachers and our students deserve more money

Anonymous [High School Industrial Education Instructor]

CON

Is state aid so low because of TLC funding?TLC has not benefited our school district. Elementary teachers need aids in their classroom instead.

Kimberly Hupp [Parent]

CON

I believe that our schools deserve more than a 1.11% increase to funding.

Jean Swenson []

CON

I will be speaking as an individual who taught for 33 years, served on school board, substitute teaches, and vonunteers in several districts.

Caryce Gilmore []

CON

Cutting the funding to schools K12 as well as secondary is not good for our state! Education strengthens the young people who grow up to be citizens of our state. The economy, government, and health of our state will suffer a cut if the education that prepares them to participate in these things is cut.

Teresa Focht [Sidney Jr. Sr. High School]

CON

IF THE GOVERNMENT WANTS OUR CHILDREN TO HAVE A WELLROUNDED QUALITY EDUCATION THEN YOU CANNOT CUT COSTS. REMEMBER: YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

Dollie Dillon [Hampton Dumont School District ISEA & HDEA]

CON

I am opposed to the proposed school funding bill. We currently have over 60% of our student population in Hampton who are below or at the poverty level It falls upon the classroom teacher and the local schools to provide leveled reading books for our students to take home for practice, purchase additional resources over and above the curriculum to meet our students needs at school, buy winter clothing, and provide school supplies for students that are needy. Any cuts to our budget will impact our ability to meet our students needs. The lower budget will impact staff employment in our district. It will also have a negative impact on future teachers. There is already a shortage of teachers. The impact of prospective large class sizes, lower pay, and instability of employment due to cuts is a deterrent to those looking to come into the teaching field. This low budget will have a negative impact on the quality of the education teachers can provide to students. Iowa wants to be proud of the education provided to our youth and teachers want to educate students to the best of our ability. This proposed school funding bill is hardly conducive to this goal.

Rachelle Branum [Public School Teacher]

CON

Increase school funding more! As a teacher I see class sizes get larger and larger due to inadequate funding. We need a larger increase to make up for years of underfunding. As a teacher who does lots of project based and STEAM lessons, larger than 20 kids makes it hard to help and coach students properly!

Trudy Nielsen Kimble [Iowa Public Schools]

CON

If you want the best, brightest, and most prepared professionals in our halls, you have got to consider the exponentially growing size of debt our college graduates emerge from their college programs and enter the teaching profession with, the rising cost of living, and potential shortfalls in healthcare for people who are just above poverty and well below wealth. Allowable growth has to keep ahead of the debt/living/healing burden we carry. It is not that educators aspire to higher tax bracketsteaching is a vocation, it chooses you, you do not choose it, and you accept your vow of poverty with relatively good grace. It is that for many educator families, remaining in the profession for a decade or more can't be an option if the families expect to raise children. It is that for many communities, meeting the needs of students who come to school farremoved from the language, reasoning, skills, and habits of people who are empowered on their own behalf or on behalf of their communities becomes too burdensome, so our schools must settle for some abysmal middle ground. We do not have the human or material resources to put our gifted populations in positions to achieve eminencewhen our kids do reach eminence, it feels like a fluke or we know it is the result of families that could sacrifice and subsidize. Our gifted students who come from poverty settle for a dark future. They are taught not to expect better. If our schools are failing (which, in reality, they aren'tthey're being mediocred to death), it is because you're hitching thoroughbreds to beer wagons. We have some really amazing teachers in our state working under some really appalling conditions but making some astonishing gains. However, anyone with even a tiny amount of vision can see what such a profound workforce could do, given proper tools, equipped appropriately, and compensated adequately so their focus does not have to be interrupted by catastrophes at home. If budget shortfalls need to be bridged, it can't be with the future stock of our most vulnerable citizens. That just makes us look like a pack of ignorant bullies who steal from babies to feed someone else's gluttony. Iowa is better than this shortsightedness. Show us, show the rest of the country, show the world that we know which resources we must invest in. Our children, families, and communitiesof which our public schools are the hub, the cornerstone, and the stock and trade. Do you want Iowa to be the place where the rest of the country looks for drones or research and developers? Followers or leaders? Blind faith hoping for better or visionaries blazing the way? If you want a better sight, invest in the best vision.

Tyllie Corbin []

CON

I strongly encourage you to set allowable growth at 4% for the next two years. If you may remember, allowable growth is supposed to be set early in the legislative session and for a two year period. Think about this, you probably had a teacher that helped you or encouraged you to become the person you are today. Why wouldn't you want to support those people?If you cannot realize that the students of Iowa are our future and that schools play a large part in their growth, I urge you to resign your position as a legislator for our great state.

Anonymous []

CON

Please do not support this education bill. A 1.1 percent increase in funding will not allow schools to adequately keep pace with inflation, and will cause our schools to make hard choices on what to cut. With school budgets already being tight, that will equate to less opportunity for our students in Iowa, and will negatively impact our state and its economy in the future.

Dr. Lew Bishop [Northeast Iowa Rehabilitation]

CON

Spend some time analyzing where the real state waste is by studying Governor Branstad's boondoggles of gifting private companies with the Medicaid program and the corporate gifting and picking companies over others through tax schemes as well as considering costs of excluding Planned Parenthood at the expense of federal funding. Studying the mechanics of funding education while carrying, promoting, and trying to irresponsibly carry these and add funding home schooling, while claiming pauperism because of the present burdens is just a distraction and very poor government. Clean Iowa's house and then claim a crisis if the numbers make any sense

Judy Turner [pvt citizen]

CON

Fund public education at the level it needs and deserves in this state.

George Herman [College Community School Dist]

CON

I teach Industrial Tech. in a growing school district and I am currently already working with budget shortfalls. Due to the cuts in funding caused by the line item veto enacted by Gov. Branstad, our district imposed a 2% across the board cut in building budgets. That was on top of the 10% permanent cuts in budgets imposed when Culver was governor. So my department is working with 12% few dollars than we were 12 years ago when I started teaching at Prairie HS, not taking into account inflation over those same years. If this year's state legislators approve of only a 1.11% allowable growth in state funding, I will see our department budget shrink even more. This is happening at a time when CTE and STEM programs are needed the most. If we are to produce the well trained and educated work force that we need here in Iowa, then we will need to adequately fund our education systems. Shrinking school budgets will not meet that requirement. Shrinking budgets means no funds for machine repair. Shrinking budgets mean no additional staff added even though we are a growing district. Shrinking budgets mean we can't afford to modernize our CTE programs. I ask that our legislators reconsider state funding and please adequately fund Iowa's education system. Placing corporate tax cuts on the back of education does no one any good.

Anonymous [Waukee High School ]

CON

With inadequate funding, students and teachers suffer. Even though my school is located in an upcoming and wealthy county and district where many students come from middle to high income households, inadequate funding still impacts the school in a unique way. As we are in one of the fastest growing towns and counties, we experience an influx of students every year, but due to state policy, we do not receive the funds until the following year. Therefore, we are essentially operating without funding for hundreds of students. That directly impacts class sizes. As a high school English teacher, that sometimes means writing classes of 32 or over, making it difficult to give adequate feedback and individualized attention to each student. As an extracurricular theatre director, I also worry about the funding for activities, which many of my students are passionate about, oftentimes these activities being the highlight of their school days while providing social, emotional, and realworld learning. Please reconsider the inadequate funding for public schools. Many schools are not as fortunately located as the one I work in, but we still suffer without funding. The struggling schools will only fall further behind without the funding for enough qualified, passionate teachers and classroom resources. Students spend the majority of their time at school. Please help make it a positive experience by allowing for adequate funding.

Anonymous [Grinnell-Newburg CSD]

CON

The State of Iowa must set allowable growth for school districts above 3% so that districts can offer salaries that are sufficient to attract the best qualified individuals into the teaching profession. This is an urgent problem, especially for rural schools, because the top graduates of Iowa's colleges are choosing professions that pay better than teaching, and they are often leaving the state altogether. If Iowa's schools are unable to attract and retain highly qualified teachers, then the education of our children suffers. When education suffers, our economy suffers. Allowable growth must be set at 3% or higher to ensure the future academic and economic success of our state.

Anonymous [ISEA]

CON

Please do what's right for Iowa's children! We need MORE than 1.1%. Please give schools the money that they need so that they do not have to cut programs that benefit children! I urge you to do what is right for Iowa's students and fight for MORE than 1.1%!

Angela Gronborg-Harder [None]

CON

I am very disappointed at the level of funding for Iowa schools. I ask that you increase the funding and help Iowa schools and our children have a wonderful education. The strength of our schools not only directly impact our children's futures but also the future of this state. If you want to attract business and professionals to the state or keep them here, you need strong schools and communities that people want to raise their kids in. Your vote on this matter will affect my vote in the future.

Jody Ingwersen [Okoboji Community Schools]

CON

I am opposed to this bill because I believe it does not adequately support our students or public schools.

Charles stanier [Parent]

CON

Invest at least 2 percent increase. I am in my daughters public Spanish classroom now. Textbooks refer to floppy disks still. Class size too large.

Larry Hoelscher [None]

CON

Very concerned about the reduction in funding for public schools in Iowa

Randy Lyon []

CON

Public schools need adequate funding to operate.

Mallory White [Glenwood Community School District ]

CON

Please vote no to the 1.1 percent package for school funding. I am very disappointed that this public hearing is when many teachers are teaching the Iowa youth. I am currently on my 6th year of teaching 6th grade special education in Glenwood Iowa. I really hope that you reconsider the 1.1 percent package.

Brenda Zahner []

CON

1.11% SSA leaves many rural schools gasping for air for their very survival. It is time to adequately support public education in Iowa.

Kathy McDonald []

CON

Iowa schools are already struggling to provide adequate and relevant education to their students, due to several years of underfunding, and numerous unfunded mandates that just keep appearing. Inflation affects schools just like other enterprises, and keeping funding at the same level or decreasing it cuts more and more into the services that can be provided to students.Why would the Legislature want to underfund one of the fundamental institutions that bring businesses and their workers (taxpayers) to our state, and why would they want to put the future of Iowa at risk by not supporting the education of our children? Please invest in the children of Iowa and our future.

Anonymous [ISEA member]

CON

Iowa has always supported education, but Iowa is undercutting teachers and students rendering current learning less effective than prior years. Please support education with sufficent dollars to at least maintain current levels of staffing.

Tara Campbell []

CON

I am against the amount that legislation is proposing. One percent cannot meet the basic needs for local districts to sustain or grow. It is not in the best interest of our students. As a parent of two public school children I would like to see the percent growth to that in 2014 of 4%. Educators work hard everyday, I see most of them are advocating for the best interest of students everyday. We need to commit to fully funding our schools, and investing in our future to make our students competitive individuals that are productive citizens. Voters entrusted our legislators to work on behalf of Iowans and to plan and use resources wisely. I would definitely reassess the one percent growth that does not put Iowa children first or in the best interest of our children or educators.

BILL ALLEN []

CON

I am one of the underrepresented educators who is all for a conservative approach in our state legislature. I would like to point out that our system in Iowa is in much better shape than educational systems in the inner city urban areas driving the national debate on vouchers and school funding. I only ask that our state legislators take a break from defending the capital R that appears after their name and stop admonishing those with a capital D after their name and think about what is best for our youth here in the state of Iowa. Should we overspend? No. Should we invest in our future? Yes. I doubt anyone who reads this would disagree, including John Wills. Work together to fund education. If your ulterior motive is to shut down rural districts, be honest with us. If it's only about the D or R after your name, run for federal office. An argument will be raised in the next election cycle by the Democrats that you have not done anything in the majority to improve our economy. Republicans will lose the argument from those in the middle when asked why they have not lowered taxes if doing so stimulates the economy. Stop playing partisan politics and think about what is best for Iowa. If you truly believe shutting down more rural districts is the answer, then be honest with your constituents. Politics does not need to be partisan and cutthroat. Show the Iowa values we are known for and step up to the plate.I have invited my representative John Wills to visit my classroom long ago, and he has never taken the time to visit. I invite any of you, Republican or Democrat, to visit any time you find yourself in Rock Rapids. I would be honored to show you how Iowa's youth in our area are hungry to better themselves. They always have their future in mind. I hope our politicians do, too.

Jodie Victoria [Denver Community Schools]

CON

Please support the school systems with funding... adequate funding for our future leaders!

Anonymous [1969]

CON

Our public schools NEED to be fully funded at 4% or better. This is the future of our country. If we don't provide money to support the textbooks, technology, support staff, and supplies that our students need, we are putting ALL of our futures at risk. It is of utmost importance to provide all learners with the best that we can provide, not the bare minimum.

Ann Jorgensen [ISEA]

CON

Please keep the children/students, our future leaders just like you, in the forefront of your mind when making this decision. Our children deserve the most we can offer them! Help them achieve their fullest potential by giving schools the funding they need to do justice to our education system!

Lori Moore [Northeast Iowa Comm College]

CON

I have taught since 1976 so I have seen a lot of controversy over support of education. Our college received no monies again this year. Other nations see the value of a great education, why can't you? I see high school students NOT PREPARED for science classes at the college level. STEM? Where is that money? It is not buying equipment and lab supplies for K12. You must fund education..a great educational system is one thing that Iowa can be proud of. Don't let the rich take away education for our children. I am reading "Dark Money" and how the Koch brothers finance political campaigns including Iowa's Republicans in 2016. The Koch brothers buy their "dream" and Iowa's kids eventually get short changed on an education. Year after year, I see skills eroding away due to lack of good teachers and supplies. When I taught junior high, I bought my own office supplies like paper and staples. back when times were good, my science budget was only $350 for 140 students. If you do the math that = not enough $ to buy supplies.

Don Miller []

CON

Funding of public priorities, like schools and roads, should come ahead of funding tax credits targeted to multinational corporations. Additionally, the legislature should follow the law regarding setting Supplemental Aid in a timely fashion so that schools can plan their budgets. If the legislature is unwilling to follow the law, the legislature should repealed or modify it so that the legislature can comply. Violating laws by choice sets a bad example.

Anonymous [Southeastern Community College]

CON

By modifying the percentage of money that colleges are given for education, you are reducing the number of people that would be able to attend college. Community Colleges were built to help people afford to go to college or learn a trade. Today people are graduating with large amounts of debt, this decreases their opportunities to live on their own and contribute to the GNP. Adjusting (raising) property taxes to cover the loss of money the state gives to the colleges is also not the answer. The property taxes in this state are far above area states.What happened to all the lottery money that was to support the school systems? That was the entire basis for Iowa approving the lottery.The state government states they want to encourage education in the state of Iowa, yet you are making it cost prohibitive. Do not decrease the funds to community colleges. Continuing on the road you are taking, community colleges will start closing, increasing the unemployment and decreasing the number of people able to obtain any college or trade job. Your actions speak much louder than your words.

Marnett Meier [Classroom Teacher]

CON

This is not adequate for funding quality public schools.

Victoria Rossander []

CON

Once again the Iowa Legislature chooses increasing business profits over educating our children. How unworthy of our State. Once again new textbooks will not be purchased, technology will not be updated, teachers will be laid off and class sizes will increase. All while you give away $12.1 billion in tax credits. Please stop telling your constituents that you care about public education when you do everything you can to undermine it. Also, how disrespectful of you to schedule the public hearing on educational funding on a Monday at 9 AM when teachers will be doing their jobs teaching children.When will you start doing yours?

Tracey Till [Bellevue Community School District]

CON

1.11% SA is NOT enough and will hurt students. Passing this amount of SA will raise class size, force the layoff of many hard working teachers, reduce a school's ability to make available varied class offerings, and will delay the purchase of much needed textbooks, classroom materials, and technology. You want Iowa to lead the country in education. You want us to produce students who are ready for the world outside of the 4 classroom walls. You want us to do it all without giving us the resources necessary to get it done. Do more with less. It's not possible. Stand up! Help our school districts deliver the kind of eduction our Iowa students deserve. Vote no to 1.11%!

Anonymous [Central DeWitt Community School District]

CON

To make a difference in the lives of students is why I have been in education for 40 years. It is disappointing to see that many of the legislators do not see the need for more than a 1.1% increase in funding. Public education is important to our state, and why do we deprive students of getting the best education possible.There is already a shortage of educators in many areas. How will Iowa succeed in keeping these young people in Iowa? When I ask my students about a career, very few ever mention education as a future career, and these are seniors in high schoolI am chairman of an Education Fund in our district so there are many of us who are doing what we can to provide those extra items for our students.Our students deserve to get the best education possible. School districts will be making some tough decisions and possible cuts for the upcoming year. HOW DOES THIS IMPACT OUR PUBLIC EDUCATION IN IOWA?

Jolene Voga []

CON

Please do not set our SSA money at 1.1%. It would be devastating to our students, our district, and Iowa's education system. We are known for having an excellent education system and we need at least 2% SSA this year (and a bigger percentage next year). Please. Please fund our schools. It is the obligation of the government to help those who cannot help themselves...ie young people and old people. The rest of us can pay higher taxes if necessary.

Joseph Goodrich [North Butler High School]

CON

A 1.11 % increase will detrimentally affect our district's ability to cover cost of living increases and is much less than the 2% recommended by the Governor. It is very possible that staff will be reduced and programs cut in small rural school districts like the one that I teach in.The school systems of Iowa should not be forced to balance the budget of the state when the state is giving millions of dollars away to corporations. Instead state lawmakers should revisit the tax code to rectify this problem.

Kevin Fiene [Interstate 35 Community School District]

CON

Andy McCollum [Private citizen, scientist, educator. Representing only myself and the future of Iowa]

CON

Fully fund education at the level recommended by the Governor. Iowa pretends to be concerned about braindrain, but refuses to provide adequate funding for education and it is getting worse every year. I understand that this is a party line vote, so this pessimistic growth plan must suggest that republicans do not believe their own party will be good for the economy. I realize that an uneducated populace is probably good for the republican party. As a scientist, I am able to analyze data (which I also believe in using for policy decisions rather than fantasy. I sought information on braindrain states and electoral results. Here is one thing I found (See tables and figures in attachment). Percent of votes for Trump in a state is negatively associated with the percent of people in the state with college degrees. One interpretation of that result is that either educated people have left those states with the strongest republican voting bias or those states simply do a poor job of educating their young people. What kind of state do you want Iowa to be as a result of your actions?

Antoinette Scott [Public School Teacher]

CON

The school funding bill that is proposed does not give Iowa's public schools the adequate funding it needs to be able to operate with the best interests of the children in mind. There is no more important tax dollar funded program than the education of our public school children. As a teacher I know first hand how out of date equipment, technology, facilities impede the ability of Iowa's children to achieve and excel. Iowa's lawmakers should endeavor to make Iowa the best funded school district in the nation, not take from it's children and thereby impacting Iowa's future. Do the right thing lawmakers! Properly fund our public school system!

Carol [Stotts]

CON

Please vote against the very low 1.11% increase. Funding to education has declined over the years and districts have cut expenses and leaned on grants to support their programs. This year's low increase will lead to the layoff of teachers and support personnel, which will lead to larger class sizes. The one thing that experienced teachers know that influences behavior and learning is building relationships. In my 30 years of teaching I have had class sizes from 18 to 31. Once the size hit 25 I no longer had time in the day to form that important relationship with every one of my students. This influences the learning for all in a classroom. Multiply that by every classroom in Iowa and you are doing a great disservice to the children in Iowa. For some children this teacherstudent relationship is the only positive one they have.

Chad Streit [n/a]

CON

I am both a parent of schoolaged children and a teacher in a public school as well as a Republican. Obviously, this funding bill affects me directly as a teacher and how I can do my job, but I am even more appalled as a parent of how this will affect my children as students. 1.1% doesn't even cover the cost of inflation. This means that schools won't even be able to provide the same services and programs as they did last year, and we are all aware of many, many districts that had to cut programs last year. I understand that the State budget is tight and cuts need to be made; however, education of our children should be one of, if not the most, important priorities as a State. It is an investment in our future, and study after study has shown that adequately funding public schools actually saves the government money down the road by reducing the number of citizens that are in prison, on government subsidies, need mental health services, etc.Thank you for your time.

Nikita Martinson [Non-affiliated ]

CON

I DO NOT support the meager 1.11% increase in school funding and I ask for full funding at the level recommended by the governor as a minimum.

Traci Oleson []

CON

I am against only funding our Iowa Public Schools at 1.1 percent.

Roberta Van De Walker [Mason City Area Retired School Personnel]

CON

Each year we hear protests of not enough money to adequately fund the requests made by schools. As a retired teacher and a person who has benefited from state school provisions, I have been proud of not only my school, Mason City Community Schools,and the regents funding for the Iowa School for the Blind. In the past we seem to have been able to provide for ALL the children who needed education. Let's put our thinking caps on and find a way to continue giving Iowa's the best education we can.

Laura Thieben [Des Moines Public Schools]

CON

The proposed 1.1% funding increase for Iowa schools is not enough. At this moment, Iowa students are not getting what they need in order to become selfsufficient, independent, contributing members of society. Their teachers and support staff do not have the resources they need to teach their students properly. Our classrooms are so crowded that we cannot effectively teach every individual student. Our planning time has been eliminated, because the schools are so shortstaffed that we have to teach extra classes. Without planning time, we aren't able to communicate with parents and families about student needs. If funding is not increased, each of these problems will become exponentially worse. Unless the citizens of Iowa want to spend vast amounts of future tax dollars on welfare and prisons when our students graduate and are unable to succeed as adults, they need to spend a few more tax dollars now to prevent those problems from occurring. They can also take gratification in the fact that they will be improving thousands of people's lives.Please vote to increase school funding beyond the amount stipulated in this bill.

Kara Franke [Keystone AEA]

CON

1.1 allowable growth is not enough to meet current budge. Cuts will have to be made: teachers, assoc, programs. Please, please reject this in favor of 2.2 allowable growth.

Donna Grommon [None]

CON

The 1.11% increase for public schools is shameful. Our youth need a thorough and complete education. They will never be able to compete in this global environment. I strongly oppose this minimal percentage rate and encourage you to vote no and give a decent percentage to our schools.Thank youDonna Grommon

James [Evans]

CON

At a time when schools need more funding to meet state requirements on 21th century skills and the state government does not fund schools at least 2.5% is a cause for concern. Hodo you expect 1st year teachers to do a great job when their wages have been stagnate for the last few years. Many of those teachers have to get part time jobs to help pay off their college loans. Good luck attracting new teachers into the profession especially in math, science, business education, and industrial tech disciplines. Last comment: my textbooks are 1215 years old.

Anonymous [Glenwood High School]

CON

Vote no for this bill.

Nancy Johnson [DMEA]

CON

The national science standards have been adopted with no funding. I don't know how DMPS will have the money to support the new standards.We already have huge k2 classes and we will be increasing class sizes again with such limited funding. Why are we surprised when we have so many students below proficiency standards?

Anonymous []

CON

The percentage increase proposed is not adequate to cover the most basic of costs for schools in the state of Iowa. I hold IA schools in high esteem both as an educator and a parent of 2 children that attend public schools in northeast Iowa. I don't understand why our future is being cut out of the picture? These children are our future. We shouldn't stand for this continued slashing and degradation of such an important population.

Anonymous []

CON

I believe we all have the best interests of children in our hearts, but sometime differ on methods to achieve academic success. I became a School Board member because I want the best education for my three sons. My own educational experience in public schools was challenging to say the least. In my neck of the woods, in the mid1980s, prior to entering High School students were given a battery of tests to determine their placement; at the High School level kids where placed in one of four ability groups, all the smart kids together and all the struggling kids together. I, unfortunately, had a learning disability (dyslexia) that was undiagnosed which resulted in me achieving top marks for all subjects except English. Because my English results were so bad I was placed in the bottom ability group for all subjects. It wasnt until two years into High School that funding was provided for specialized teachers and teaching programs that I was able to receive the appropriate help to combat dyslexia. If this funding hadnt happened, I would have failed out of High School and been a delinquent upon the community. Receiving the needed educational support had put me back on the right track; I now have a Bachelors degree from Grand View College and a Masters degree from Drake University that have enabled me to become an Officer in the U.S. Army. My point is that funding for public education matters considerably. Public education is a foundation of our democracy and, as such, public education must be a priority. Without suitable public education funding the future of our kids will diminish; employers will leave, unable to find an educated work force; and our community will deteriorate, losing all of the advancements that has made Iowa a great place to live will slowly fade into the obscurity of history. Iowa was once a leader in education, we are now 45th in the Nation according to US News 2016 Best High Schools rankings and 31st with a C ranking from American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), and this change is due to the continuous systemic underfunding of public education. We have the opportunity to correct ourselves and refocus our efforts on public education. You stated at the Urbandale Chamber forum that you want all kids to have the same education opportunity as the Obamas and the Clintons, this cant be achieved when public schools continue to be grossly underfunded. Even the vouchers or Educational Saving Accounts (ESA), diverting the inadequate funds from public school to private schools still leaves education underfunded and kids devoid of educational opportunity. Quality education costs. Underfunding schools will not help bring quality education to students regardless of type of school public, private, or charter. The average school district requires 3.25% SSA just to breakeven, at a minimum I implore you to fund SSA at 2% in line with the Governor recommendation. Underfunding education at 1.1% has a real impact on our communities further dividing the haves and havenots. Wealthier districts will pass the burden of lower state aid to local residents. While districts with lower social economic status will be left struggling due to underfunding. Public education funding has provided basic resources and specialized teaching that has clearly helped kids succeed in life, but we could and should be doing more. If fully funded schools would use these resources to reduce studentteacher ratios, upgrade technology, buy new text books, add specialized reading teachers, add school counselors, and increase the number of class offerings to students. I support my tax dollars being used to fund our public K12 schools.

John Macatee DO [John Macatee DO LLC]

CON

Were fortunate to have good schools in Iowa but they are at great risk of failing if the state legislature does not adequately fund them in their upcoming vote. We need a funding increase of at least 4% just to stay even with rising costs. Iowa has already fallen to 35th in the nation in per pupil spending. Iowas percent change in spending per student, inflationadjusted, from FY 2008 through FY 2014, is down $641 per student. Thirtyfour states have managed to do better for their schools and students despite a recovery from the recession less robust than Iowa has experienced. Funding cuts in every school district will result in the loss of essential school administrative staff, teachers, and programs like sports and music. Class sizes will become too large for effective teaching. Everyone in Iowa needs to realize that education is the basis of our local and state economy. If the schools start to fail, families and companies will not move to or will move out of Iowa. If schools and the local economy start to fail, property values will fall. Many people will lose jobs, including teachers. Its very unfortunate that Governor Branstad recommended and the legislature passed a huge tax cut in March 2014 (Senate File 295) which greatly benefits commercial property taxes but does not allow sufficient revenue for education funding. Our cities will also face painful budget cuts. Ironically, this commercial tax rollback will discourage corporations and the families that run them from moving to Iowa because of the failing schools caused by your lack of adequate funding. Please do the right thing and properly fund K12 education and restore adequate revenue to allow sufficient funding for education.

Dianne Molander [self]

CON

I oppose HF136 and any further increases in public school funding. Iowa schools have failed children and it is time for a new approach to fund school choice, homeschooling, vouchers, Christian schools and charter schools.

Jessica Dowell [Teacher]

CON

Iowa has always prided itself on providing a world class education for its students. I am deeply saddened that Iowa's state gov't has decided that the education of its children, your future voters, has been placed so low on the priority list. Leadership within the state will tell you that these cuts to funding, and let's be frank, 1.11% is a slap in the face, are due to drastic budget shortfalls. What they won't tell you is that the shortfalls come from outrageous cuts to corporate taxes and businesses. Yes, some of these tax breaks will entice new businesses to come to Iowa, but if we are trying to draw big businesses in, shouldn't we be offering them the best of everything for their employees? Iowa has growing cultural opportunities in its urban areas, but we cannot compete with the opportunities from the east and west coasts. Iowa NEEDS to be investing in education in order to offer the employees of these big businesses something to move here for. Without a serious investment in education, IA will quickly tax break its way out of the market for new jobs. People don't want to move places where there are no opportunities for their children. And it is IOWA'S children who will be losing out.

Stephanie Long [Belle Plaine Eduacation Association]

CON

I have been a public school teacher in Iowa for 35 years. I am retiring at the end of this school year. After so many years of dedication to a profession that has such a profound influence on the future of our state, I cannot sit by and watch as the funding for education is set at such a rate. I have dedicated my adult life to educating the youth of Iowa. I have watched initiatives, superintendents, school boards, legislatures, and governors come and go. Some of these have had positive influences on education and some negative. However, through it all one thing has remained constant; the love that the people of Iowa have for our children and their future. PLEASE reconsider this funding level. The future of our children is at stake. In a world where changes occur at exponentially higher rates every year, one thing needs to remain constantour unwavering dedication to the children of Iowa.

Marisa Keeney []

CON

A funding increase of only 1.1% is woefully inadequate. This is not enough to even keep up with the rising costs. Our state has been giving minimal to no increases for a number of years and the school districts in our state have already made a great deal of cuts to deal with the lack of funds. Class sizes are getting so large that students have no hope of getting individualized attention when it is needed. My childrens' classes have 3236 students in them and there isn't even adequate space for that number to fit. Having well educated children is vital to the future of our state. It is time for our state to truly invest meaningfully in education so that our educational system can work towards returning to being something held up as an example instead of our current mediocre status. You can't fund our state education at less than the national average and expect good quality. Please put our children first instead of giving tax cuts and breaks to corporations on the back of our children.

Coleen Hughes []

CON

1.11% will create a deficiet in school districts around the state. I urge a vote no for 1.11% and follow the Governor's 2.0% proposal at the least. The students deserve resources for education.

Eric Larew [Pleasant Valley Community School District]

CON

The 1.11% amount simply does not adequately fund our schools. It will result in the lack of programming and the lack of support that our students need to succeed. At Pleasant Valley, we have a growing district and need to hire teachers to support our burgeoning numbers. However, 1.11% won't allow for programs our schools need, including additional science sections at the elementary level, a muchneeded additional counselor at the high school level, an additional consumer and technical education teacher, and a 712 art teacher to relieve the overload our fantastic current art teachers have had to work with for the past few years. Please consider that the 1.11% would not keep pace with our increasing insurance costs or prevent our current teachers from taking a loss of real income. Even the governor's proposed 2% falls far short, but it would at least not fall as short as 1.11%

Gina Weaver []

CON

The 1.11% amount simply does not adequately fund our schools. It will result in the lack of programming and the lack of support that our students need to succeed. At Pleasant Valley, we have a growing district and need to hire teachers to support our burgeoning numbers. However, 1.11% won't allow for programs our schools need, such as (to name only a few) additional science sections at the elementary level, a muchneeded additional counselor at the high school level, an additional consumer and technical education teacher, and a 712 art teacher to relieve the overload our fantastic current art teachers have had to work with for the past few years. Please consider that the 1.11% would not keep pace with our increasing insurance costs or prevent our current teachers from taking a loss of real income. Even the governor's proposed 2% falls far short, but it would at least not fall as short as 1.11%

Anonymous [Pleasant Valley]

CON

If Iowa plans to have competitive education in the nation, a 1.11% increase is not enough. It will only force families away from the state to pursue education that is supported and funded. There is ample amounts of research indicating the importance of supporting programs in schools. For our schools to lose teachers, extracurricular programs, the arts, and even science funding, only reflects the priorities of our legislators. If this is passed, clearly education and Iowa's children is not the priority for them. That does not fulfill their duty to serve our state and the best interest of our youth.

Paula Long [Kooyman Tax Service]

CON

Without appropriate funding small schools, like the ones in the area where I live and work, will be forced to make changes that can negatively affect our community in many ways. If small schools are not able to operate without appropriate funding, it affects the entire community. If a school is forced to shut down, or not provide adequate services to students the town will not be able to attract and keep families, and businesses will also not be able to survive. This decision strongly impacts the future of many people, not just the students and the schools. We need to invest in education for a number of reasons. There has never been and will never be a justified reason for not investing in public education.

Christian Baughman []

CON

As a parent and educator I urge the house to fund our schools at a level of allowable growth that will support all students in all school districts. This level of funding is not sufficient given the underfunding of the past two sessions. We have seen programs cut and students left out of valuable educational opportunities every year. The State of Iowa and the honorable representatives of the House can do better. There are choices to make and we as parents are paying attention to how you choose to support our kids' futures. These investments are not frivolous, but extremely necessary to the future growth and vibrancy of Iowa. Please pass a bill that funds schools at 4% allowable growth for the future of all Iowans. Thank you.

Ann Streufert []

CON

I am against HF 136 which only allows for only 1.11% increase in Supplemental State Aid. This is amount is inadequate to cover even the most basic needs of our public school students. Please prioritize state funding for our children who are the future of our state. I urge all members of the House of Representatives to vote no on Monday, Feb. 6th.

Elizabeth Leas [private citizen]

CON

Speak about my experience teaching in the Houston, TX public schools & a religious private school in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Andrea Lewerenz-Norris []

CON

Please fully fund our public schools. Iowa schools have been eroding for many years. Think back to your school when you were a child. How many students were in your class? Was it 20? Maybe 25 students? My son's 5th grade class last year had 28 students or MORE throughout the year. Our Middle school used to have 4 administrators. We now have 2. Behaviors are out of control because administrators are always in 'reaction' mode rather than 'prevention' mode. To provide the same level of service we would need 4% increase. I understand that this may not be possible since tax revenues are down. However, 1.1% is going to gut programs. Please, please find somewhere else to cut the budget. Perhaps look at the executive branch? Additionally, raise enough money to fully fund our most important asset. Stop giving huge tax cuts to businesses or you will have no businesses that want to do business here because the schools are so bad. PLEASE PRIORITIZE SCHOOLS.

Anonymous [preschool teacher-public education]

CON

1.1 is not enough to educate our state's children. We need to make education a top priority in Iowa and give our children the tools they need to be successful leaders in our country.

Anonymous []

CON

Iowa children need to have access to a quality education in order to be productive members of society. The lack of funding has increased class sizes for years now. . . not to mention the reduction of art, music, pe, and library staff. This is not how education should be funded. I fear for our Iowa children and how this lack of funding will impact their education. Please show that our children and Iowa's future is a priority and fund their education now. Schools need funds for staffing to build relationships with students; especially the students who don't have support at home. Schools need funds not only for the technology to teach students how to be prepared for the workforce but staffing to teach these skills. If you need further proof, go to any local school in Iowa and ask how many fewer teachers/staff they have now than 7 years ago, and how many fewer supplies they have to teach with. Then tell them that next year they will have to do with even less.

Cherri Lock []

CON

I believe that a 1.1% increase for the allowable growth of our public school's budget is insufficient. We have struggled with cuts over several years, and our children are suffering for it. As an educator I can tell you that there is a great need to support these children. Our future economy depends on us providing the students of today with the training and tools they need to become good citizens, and hold down good jobs. We need money in order to sufficiently staff our administration and support staff. Teachers can't teach if they are constantly dealing with behaviors in an over crowded classroom. There needs to be resources so students can be sent out of the classroom, and helped by trained professionals in a smaller setting. We can not give up on these children. They will only become a worse problem in our communities if we do not address the situation now. The money spent on public education will save money in the long run. Poverty, crime, homelessness, and unemployment can all be addresses by having quality programs and personnel in our public schools. This requires a commitment from our legislators for funding. Please provide additional funding for our schools, for our children, for our future!Cherri Lock

Chad Oberdoerster [Iowa Citizen and Parent]

CON

A 1.1% increase, along with previous failures to adequately fund Iowa public schools will be a disaster for Iowa students and Iowa's economy. School budgets have been cut to the bone over the last few years. Funding that does not keep up with fistricts' fixed costs will directly affect class sizes and offerings to Iowa's students. A less educated potential workforce will not draw businesses to Iowa, and current businesses may be forced to relocate due to lack of a qualified workforce. All of this means Iowa's economy and students will suffer. Most employees of school districts will see their take home income decline, reducing the amount of goods and services they are able to purchase in Iowa. Jobs will be lost. Students will not have the same access to advanced course offerings. This budget proposal and the ones that have gone before it in recent years is making Iowa a less desireable place to live. There are real consequences to real people when schools are not adequately funded. Fund Iowa's schools at a rate that will allow the state and its future workforce to be competitive and productive in today's society.

Sarah Hogan []

CON

To the Iowa House of Representatives, I am a recently retired teacher. My teaching assignments at Maquoketa included a kindergarten classroom and Title One reading. Last year when I wrote a grant for a literacy project, my superintendent, Chris Hoover, shared with me that 70% of the students at Cardinal Elementary qualified for free and reducedprice meals. Strong public education is key to the area I live in. My view on poverty is that there are a number of supports that need to be in place to assist families struggling to make it economically. A quality education is one of those components that is necessary. As you consider the funding level for State Supplemental Aid this year I would like to weigh in. I have always viewed allowable growth or SSA as the way we make sure that our level of funding for schools at least stays ahead of inflation. As the news broke that lawmakers are in the process of voting in a 1.11% SSA I wondered how that would measure up. For a rough estimate on inflation I googled the consumer price index for 2016. It is clear to me that at the 1.11% level we are still decreasing what we can do for families through our schools. In many of our schools we will continue to see class sizes inch upward. Some schools will be cutting paraeducator support again. Some curriculum directors will have to hold off on ordering textbooks. Etc. It is my understanding that in our recent history Iowa has devoted a larger percentage of our budget to support schools. Providing for schools is one of the key duties of the Iowa Legislature. I am perplexed by our move to gradually slim school budgets. I still see children and families who need our support. A recommendation was made to me recently that I may be interested in looking at information on the Research Activities Tax Credits on the Iowa Department of Revenue website. There are some good Iowa companies on that list that have been important to members of my family and many of my friends. However, the dollars we are returning to those companies is just incredible! We are talking two million, seven million, even 12 million dollars to a single company! I cannot justify giving those amounts to financially healthy companies. Please take another look at what you can do for SSA.

Anonymous [Westridge PTA]

CON

I am unable to support HF 136 as I do not believe that it provides enough funding for public education to do the job it is entrusted to do.

Anonymous [Ankeny AEA/Ankeny Community School District]

CON

This is my tenth year teaching in Ankeny. I also have two young children and one more on the way. I am proud to be a teacher and want to provide the best education possible for my own children.I strongly encourage you to put our students first when voting on supplemental aid for the state. 1.1% is not enough to support our students and teachers. It is amazing what a difference class size makes each year. Not only this, but we value each minute our students get with our associates. Allowing only 1.1% State Supplemental Aid means a cut in Ankeny most likely leading to an increase in class size and limiting support staff. We need these resources to be successful. Please support our children and teachers through your leadership positions!

Julie A. Bulver []

CON

Unfortunately, I can not attend this hearing because I am doing the very important work of teaching. I am shocked, frustrated, and confused by this bill. Governor Branstad suggests 2% growth and the House reduces the school aid to 1%! I thought Iowa valued education. I believed that Iowans supported student learning and my teaching. I just learned that Early Childhood case managers would be cut for next year. I teach preschool and this year a case manager helped a preschooler and her family transition to another school so that she could receive the special education services she desperately needs. The case manager accompanied a mother as she filed for a no contact order to protect herself and family. I was also informed that more cuts are coming. It is very difficult to be an effective teacher when supports are taken away. My colleagues in elementary grades are dreading class sizes for next year. I urge you to do what is right and fund education.

Emily Donovan [Heartland AEA]

CON

1.11% is not enough allowable growth to fund public school funding. Districts, especially rural districts are unable to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers, especially special education. Special education teachers are in high demand to educate our most vulnerable students and help students make growth at a higher rate of progress than peers to close the gap.

matt chapman [none]

CON

I would like to see legislation supporting fair distribution of funds to programs that all Iowans can benefit from like education, state medical assistance, public safety and real small business not just tax breaks and credits for wealthy donors and corporations that contribute to both parties. . Now we all have heard the makers and takers theory of how lower income people are a drain on the economy. The fact is in foodservice the majority of people are not teenagers with a first job. The majority of folks are blue collar workers with nowhere else to go as most manufacturing has shipped to other countries. This is a bipartisan created problem. I worked and ran kitchens for 35 years and that has left me with two hand surgeries, a second knee surgery that Im getting a referral about today and I'm looking at a spine fusion all because of years of hard work. We just had the most divided election I have ever seen and I have seen a few. The people who suffer the most have been gaslighted into turning against each other in a cynical play for power If you have been looking out the the west window lately I think you saw the sea change coming. We do not want whats happened to Wisconsin to happen to us. To quote Admiral Yamamoto You have awoken a sleeping giant and filled her with terrible resolve.Matt Chapman AKA Maxthe CatFrom Waukee Iowa

Brigit Stevens []

CON

It is our moral obligation to teach and support the growth and learning of all of our kids and adult learners. We cannot do that with restrictive funding that limits the potential of our leaders, teachers, administrators, and brilliant education staff of the state.

Jennifer [Hermsen ]

CON

Iowa used to spend around the national average of states per pupil for education . Now we are 41st, among the lowest spending states. We cannot maintain or improve student achievement on a shoestring. Iowa's budget shortfalls are due to shortsighted tax cuts, but even Governor Branstad was in favor of a 2% increase. The 1.11% increase proposed in the bill is woefully inadequate. It sets schools up for struggles: larger class sizes, fewer resources, and fewer opportunities for students. This is so unnecessary and selfdefeating. Please defeat this bill and pass one that has at least the 2% increase the governor proposed for school spending.

Anonymous [Pleasant Valley Community School District ]

CON

Thank you for this opportunity to express my opinion as both a Pleasant Valley educator and parent. First, I think it is essential that we look toward ways to better support our schools and teachers. A 1.11% increase in school funding does not provide the support needed to adequately fund our schools. It WILL result in the lack of programming and the lack of support that our students need to succeed. At Pleasant Valley, we have a quickly growing district and need to hire teachers to support our burgeoning numbers. Not only will the meager 1.11% increase not allow for programs our schools need but it would also not keep pace with our increasing insurance costs or and could mean our current teachers would take a loss of real income. While the 2% the governor suggests falls short, it would be better than the current proposal. Please help to make education and schools a priority!

William Brown []

CON

I oppose this bill because the funding is inadequate. Proper funding could be obtained by rolling back tax breaks for corporations. Please reject this bill and fully fund our public schools and universities to the levels they are requesting.Thank you.

Anonymous []

CON

Our schools and students deserve betterWe live in a state that is made of rural communities and those schools unite our small towns. In Iowa we are proud of our schools Please support our public schools, schools that I am assuming many of you attended and your children attendThank you

Steve Windom [Parent]

CON

I would like to see more than a 1.11% increase allocated to fund our schools this year. I don't believe this amount will keep up with the rate of inflation, which will make it difficult to offer our teachers a competitive wage. I realize this is one of the many parts of the state budget, but I would like to see it prioritized higher due to the importance of educating our children. Thank you for listening.

Anonymous []

PRO

When you legislators voted to backfill property taxes in 2013 where did all the money go? It seems instead of lowering property taxes it was an incentive for Counties and Public school districts to build bigger schools, performing arts centers and athletic facilities, that cost a fortune to build & maintain. No wonder property taxes are skyrocketing. Iowans are getting lower performing schools, and being asked to fund their unquenchable appetite for spending. A freeze in funding might encourage schools to get their priorities straight eliminate a layer of administration, allow educators to be teachers again instead of being paperpushers, and regain local control. You might find you have more passionate teachers with more than enough money to pay them. As a parent who homeschools our kids we are paying twice for our education and are tired of watching public schools say they need more money every year, when private education does it better at a fraction of the cost. No more wasteful spending on schools who think Iowa taxpayers should be their bottomless pocketbook.

James A. Gude []

CON

Raising the Supplemental State Aid by only 1.11% will make it difficult for local districts to maintain ongoing costs (school and technology supplies, building cleaning and maintenance, fuel costs, and employee salaries) all which directly or indirectly the education of the kids attending the local district. The governor proposed raising SSA by 2%. While I feel this amount is still too low, it is more realistic than the 1.11%proposed by the Iowa Legislature. I strongly encourage you to rethink the SSA increase for next school year 20172018.Thank you, Jim GudeMS Teacher

Joe Stutting [North Scott School District]

CON

A 1.11% increase to SSA is not enough for our school district. I do appreciate that SSA will be settled in the first 30 days, but our district will need to make cuts for next year as a result of the 1.11%. Our health insurance went up 14% or around $500,000 and our 1% guarantee is only around $200,000. This means we already have a deficit before we even move single staff member on the salary schedule. The end result will be a loss of service, programming, and increase class size. Thank you for taking the time to consider our position.

Anonymous [DMPS]

CON

Our budget in science (with Iowa's emphasis on STEM) has been cut every year for the past 7 years! Less than 3 dollars per student per YEAR for science. This includes investigations and labs and technology. This is only one of so many subjects who need books and materials and our class sizes (low numbers are artificial because of SPED)are going well over 30! Conservatives may say "don't throw money at the problem" and I understand being frugal; nevertheless this is ridiculous. Up the budget and show the USA that Iowa cares about its young no matter what their background.

Carole Cherne [Green Hills Area Education Agency]

CON

Nothing is more important than our children's education. An investment in Iowa children's education will be paid back many times over.

Bob Olson [Superintendent, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Community School District and chair, Rural School Advocates of Iowa]

CON

I believe I am already on the list to speak. Attached are my comments in writing. Thank you!

Tara Sitrick [Pleasant Valley Education Association]

CON

1.11% is not enough money for our school district to function at its current level. We are a growing school district and need to hire more positions. More funding is also needed to keep the programs we have in place. Please reconsider the 1.11% and give schools what they need to provide the best education possible for our children.

Angi McKie [parent]

CON

The budget for the k12 education has been falling short the past many years, the state is doing a disservice by underfunding basic k12 education. The fact that the funding is at a new low is inexcusable. The pattern of funding cannot continue these children are the future of our state with a state that retains many children or returns them to Iowa, we are shorting our very future.By under funding schools, we are setting up situations where individual students get less attention with higher teacherstudent ratios, and staffing shortages within the schools. Facilities also take a hit, as has basic transportation to schools we now have students walking almost two miles to school through unsafe terrain to get to school where is the priority on basic k12 education?Funding should match at least costs of living increase so that the districts have a fair chance at providing education with adequate tools and resources. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions Angi McKieJohnson Countyaschumacgmail.com

Lori Carroll []

CON

We have been getting more and more requirements from the state legislature...and less and less money. PLEASE do not vote for this bill, and PLEASE rethink the amount proposed, and understand how much you need to fund our schools to make Iowa students the best that you SAY you want.

Anonymous [Pleasant Valley. teachers Union]

CON

Please do not support a change in the percent of funding to schools. The 1.11 %. will not be enough to support even the most basic needs of our school. We need proper funding to ensure our children receive education from highly trained teachers and have opportunities to participate in a variety of educational programming experiences. Our children are the future of our country. We must ensure their education and growth. Assisting each child in reaching his or her fullest potential is our responsibility. We must take care of our children's learning. We need proper funding to do this. Thank you for your consideration of the educational needs of every child.

Anonymous [Robert Lucas Elementary School]

CON

This bill does not provide adequate funding for the public schools. Our students are coming with more and more needs and we need to be able to meet them where they are and bring them forward. Allowable growth at this low level will prohibit us from obtaining researchbased programs and technology to help our students become leaders in today's world. Please reject this bill and advocate for funding that will allow us to be leaders in the world of education once again.

Rebecca Peterson [Ellsworth Community College]

CON

What is the purpose of setting up a meeting when affected parties are at work (or should be!) with little time to make arrangement to attend. Are you intentionally trying to exclude public comment? Remember that government works FOR the people.

Joan Hohl, LMSW Early Childhood Special Educator [Northwest Area Education Agency]

CON

The funding in this bill does not provide even the 'basics' for typically developing childrenso much as children with special needs and learning challenges. Children cannot learn if they are not able to come to school 'ready to learn'fed, clothed, and rested. Then they come to school; and the school cannot provide the resources to feed and assist the child in their learning. If we and/or the government/state of Iowa do not put our money into education beginning at birth, or age 3, or age 5we will not have healthy, productive, educated citizens in the future. Do you want your children making decisions about your future without the necessary and appropriate educational experiences and degrees?