Clemens committed to children first

Voters in Eastern Johnson County and Cedar County who care about Iowa's proud tradition of strong public education have a clear candidate to support by voting for Democrat Jodi Clemens in House District 73. Republican legislators have boasted about increasing education funding without telling the whole truth. Over the past decade they have actually underfunded education at a rate far below inflation, thereby leaving our students and teachers with larger class sizes and less resources.

Clemens has committed to putting our children first by making education funding Iowa's highest priority once again. She supports access to quality preschool for all children and understands that extending the statewide penny sales tax is critical to school districts' planning. She opposes any type of voucher system, so public dollars stay in public schools, and supports increased funding for Iowa's public colleges and universities.

Most important, Clemens will bring civility and respect back to District 73. She will be honest and forthright with constituents, even when they disagree. Her calm demeanor and grace is a breath of fresh air in this time of vitriol and political divisiveness, and she does not accept political action committee (PAC) funds of any sort.

With over 14 years of combined experience on the Iowa City Board of Education, we wholeheartedly support Jodi Clemens because she understands Iowa's future prosperity relies on the education of the next generation.

Patti Fields

Brian Kirschling

Iowa City