Do metrics, data and evaluation matter in Iowa?

Metrics provide information; data is information used to examine and consider choices in decision-making, while evaluation is the formation of an opinion involving careful thought.

Do Iowa Legislators and Gov. Reynolds think about any of these principles when introducing and passing legislation or implementing programs? Their legislation has impacted women’s reproductive care, subsidized private schools, underfunded public schools, eliminated trans Iowans from the state’s Civil Rights Act, done nothing to address polluted waters and so much more.

Reynolds rejected Summer EBT, replacing it with her $9.1 million grant pilot program, which served only a fraction of Iowa’s eligible children. Iowa received a $43 million federal Department of Education grant to support public charter schools, schools not required to adhere to state laws governing public schools. What factors were considered when applying for this grant while continuing to underfund Iowa’s public schools?

Reynolds and GOP legislators upset the fruit basket with Iowa’s boards and commissions and Iowa’s 50-year-old AEA program. What comprehensive evaluations have been completed? The Legislative Service Agency recently reviewed the enforcement of Iowa’s Bottle Bill. While some problems were discussed, enforcement only included emails of noncompliance. In spite of these facts, the meeting adjourned without any further action.

Metrics, data, and evaluation are cornerstones which must be used in order to make good decisions. Unfortunately, many Republican bills introduced this session are ignoring these principals while also neglecting to use factual criteria when crafting legislation.

Diane Duncan-Goldsmith

Iowa City