May 10, 2000

Secretary of State
State Capitol
L O C A L

Dear Mr. Secretary:

I hereby transmit House File 2549, relating to the funding of, operation of, and appropriation of moneys to the college student aid commission, the department of cultural affairs, the department of education, and the state board of regents, providing related statutory changes, and providing for retroactive applicability and effective dates.

House File 2549 provides funding to help Iowans attain their educational goals. I am particularly pleased with the commitment to early childhood education through local empowerment areas, the Jobs for Americas Graduates program, Americorps afterschool plans, teacher induction and mentoring, National Board certified teachers support, vocational/technical student grants, Iowa Tuition Grants, national guard education assistance, the UNI masters in social work program, and the ISU plant science initiative, which were approved as I had recommended.

Significant additional support contained in House File 2549 for teacher shortage loans, local libraries, education innovations, community colleges, the UI college of public health, and public television is also worthy of note, although it fell short of the level of support I recommended.

Clearly, there are shortcomings in this legislation in some other areas, which I hope can be better addressed in the future. I am disappointed that funding in this bill for state universities fell significantly below my recommended level. While we were able to improve these allocations in negotiation with legislative leaders late in the session, they clearly fell short of our goals, and will need more attention in the year ahead, along with several other issues.

I am hopeful that legislators will work with me in the coming year to provide the resources necessary to further enhance educational opportunities for all Iowans. House File 2549 is, therefore, approved on this date, with the following exceptions, which I hereby disapprove.

I am unable to approve the item designated as Section 8 in its entirety. This language requires the Board of Educational Examiners to conduct a study of the use of school days for the professional development of teachers. Requiring school districts and Area Education Agencies to submit to the Board, by August 1, data relating to the use of school days for professional development is unrealistic. Additionally, I am concerned that the scope of the proposed study would require the BOEE to divert resources from the critical task of licensing teaching professionals, since no additional resources were allocated for the study. I believe the BOEE should focus on their core function rather that this study in the coming year.

I am unable to approve the item designated as Section 9 in its entirety. This language requires the Commission of Libraries to conduct a study of the state library structure. The Commission has voted to undertake a study of library service, inclusive of all types of libraries in Iowa. In the next few weeks, I understand the Commission will appoint a task force, representative of the Iowa library community and other stakeholders, to undertake the study. I anticipate this study will be completed prior to the next legislative session. Based on this information, I believe a useful study of library services in the state will be accomplished without the necessity of the legislative mandate contained in this bill.

I am unable to approve the designated portion of Section 11, subsection 3, paragraph c, last unnumbered paragraph. This would direct the cooperative extension service at Iowa State University, in consultation with the department of human services, to identify educational materials, seminars, and assistance which are duplicative, directly or in subject areas, of educational materials, seminars, and assistance offered by the department of human services. In the absence of additional resources provided for either agency to conduct this study, I am concerned the completion of this project would result in the diversion of time and resources from the core services these agencies provide to Iowans. I believe it is more appropriate for the extension service and the human services department to focus on the delivery of services to Iowans rather than to perform the study requested in this bill.

I am unable to approve the item designated as Section 19 in its entirety. This language directs the University of Iowa to develop and maintain a comprehensive data base regarding treatment options and success rates related to neonatal brachial plexus injury and treatment. It is my understanding that the University officials have held discussions on these treatment options with interested parties, and have indicated to me their willingness to continue discussions that could lead to better communication with concerned families. I have encouraged them to continue such efforts in the coming year, and based on their assurances that they will do so, I believe the language contained in Section 19 is unnecessary.

For the above reasons, I hereby respectfully approve House File 2549 with the exceptions noted above.

Sincerely,

Thomas J. Vilsack
Governor

TJV:jmc

cc: Secretary of the Senate
   Chief Clerk of the House

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Last update: WED May 10 2000
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