We can’t afford to neglect the schools

The governor and lieutenant governor would have us believe that Iowa Senate Democrats are children screaming for candy when, in reality, they are responsible adults screaming for badly needed support for public education. A good education for every child is a primary responsibility of a government.

Gov. Terry Branstad and the House Republicans, however, do not want to allow schools a 2 percent increase in funding (for fiscal year 2012). This will require that schools cut programs, cut teachers and pack more students into classrooms.

While some children will survive in these conditions many, especially the most vulnerable, will not. These children will struggle and fall behind. Even if funding is restored after a year or two it will be too late for some students, who may never catch up. Republicans will then try to blame the schools and teachers, but it will not be their fault.

None of this is necessary. The state is not in a financial mess as the governor keeps insisting. State Treasurer Michael Fitzgerald has said that there is a $1 billion surplus. Giving the schools a 2 percent increase would cost $64 million. We can afford it to offer the best possible educational opportunities. We cannot afford not to.

Cherie Haury-Artz

Iowa City