Iowa House Republicans approve school funding; Democrats decry proposal

DES MOINES - State funding of Iowa's K-12 schools would increase a total of 3.7 percent over the next two fiscal years under a bill passed largely along party lines Tuesday night in the Iowa House.

Republicans in control of the House said the funding levels stay responsibly within the state's budget and they believe spending more on education does not necessarily yield better student achievement.

Democrats said the funding level is inadequate and called for 6 percent increases over each of the next two years while echoing the warnings of state educators who said the Republicans' plan will lead to larger class sizes, reduced programs, outdated materials, and staff layoffs.

The Republicans' plan would yield an increase of roughly $44 million in the 2016 fiscal year, according to the state's nonpartisan fiscal analysts, plus roughly $50 million designated specifically for the teacher leadership program included in the education reform package passed in 2013.

'I am not afraid of spending more dollars on education as long as it is helping to solve problems and meeting the needs of students. That said, spending must be done while adhering to prudent budgeting practices,” said Rep. Ron Jorgensen, R-Sioux City, chairman of the House Education Committee. 'Ongoing expenses should only be covered by ongoing revenue sources and we will not spend more than we take in. It is important that we are able to honor the promises we make.”

The House Democrats' plan would have yielded an increase of roughly $250 million in fiscal 2016 - plus the $50 million for the teacher leadership program - according to their staff analysis. Their attempt to increase the funding to levels called for by educators and education groups statewide was defeated along party lines.

'We are shortchanging our kids, and we are shortchanging Iowa,” said Rep. Sharon Steckman, D-Mason City. 'We not only broke the law waiting this long, but 1.25 percent is woefully inadequate.”

The legislation moves to the Iowa Senate, where it is unlikely to meet the approval of Democrats who control that chamber.

'The good news tonight is this is not the last time we will see this bill. … This is the first round. It's not the last round,” said Rep. Mary Mascher, D-Iowa City. 'We will end up with something between 1.25 and 6 percent. That's the reality.

'I hope we reach a compromise that we can all feel good about.”

House Democrats performed some procedural gymnastics in attempt to thwart the legislation. During floor debate they called into question the legality and relevance of a Republican amendment to use state money to cover schools' property tax replacement payments.

When Republicans moved ahead and approved the amendment, Democrats forced the bill to the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee.

Republicans called an impromptu committee meeting and passed the bill as newly amended, returning it to the floor, where it passed after roughly five hours of debate with only one Democrat joining Republicans in support.