Education finance background is an asset in the Legislature

Born in Washington County and raised on a farm, I strive to embody the values Iowans embrace — hard work, dedication to our families, jobs, and care for our neighbors and communities.

I retired in August after more than a quarter century as the business official for Mount Pleasant Community School District. It is my experience in school finance that prompted me to run for the state Senate. Each day I worked to be a good steward of the public money that provides funding to our schools. One of the worrisome changes that has taken place due to the poor decisions made by our current lawmakers is the shrinking State Supplemental Aid — the additional money received from the state that enables public schools to pay for salaries for teachers and staff, curriculum, utilities, and more.

Additionally, we now have Educational Savings Accounts — or vouchers — created by lawmakers two years ago that remove approximately $7,800 of taxpayer funds from public schools per student and gives it to private schools if requested. The private schools receive our dollars without being held accountable for their use, unlike the public schools.

Finally on education, the Legislature voted to decrease funding to our Area Education and force them to offer their services on a pay as you go fee schedule. AEAs were originally created to level the playing field across all school districts, large and small. This school year more than 400 employees have left our AEAs as they fear their jobs will be eliminated in the future. The AEAs provide so many services to our students and staff and I want to make sure these services are still available to our schools.

I am also sincerely worried that women’s reproductive rights are being taken away. No woman or man should have the government prohibit them from receiving the health care they have determined with their doctor is the appropriate choice for their lives. And when considering the complications that may impact a pregnancy, the safety for the woman and her reproductive health is paramount.

I make Washington, Iowa, my home with my wife, where we own an antiques shop downtown. We have two grown children and our first grandchild on the way. I am grateful for the opportunity to run for Senate to serve Iowans.

Ed Chabal is the Democratic candidate in Senate District 46.