School Debate Up First

The first order of business for the Legislature this year should be to set basic state aid for schools, called supplemental state aid. It's the main source of revenue for our schools and pays for things like teachers, transportation, and books.

The law requires us to set school funding nearly two years in advance so our K-12 schools get funding first and then the state budget is built around that dollar figure the following.

The law has served us well for nearly 20 years, but the last few years Governor Branstad and Republicans have refused to follow the law.

As a former school board president, I can tell you the uncertainty created by ignoring the law has been difficult for schools across Iowa.

This week, the governor released his budget and the news isn't good for our schools.

The Governor is recommending that Iowa schools get less than a 1 percent increase in supplemental aid next year, which would be the second lowest on record for Iowa.

It also means half of our school districts would be forced to raise property taxes just to keep the same level of funding for next year.

In my district in Northeastern Iowa, half of the school districts would actually lose money next year under the governor's plan.

While Iowa has long been national leader in education, our per-pupil funding has dropped steadily and we're now $1,612 below the national average, down to 35th in the nation.

Iowa has the ninth highest reserve funds in the US and we will end the year with over $1 billion in surplus and reserves. This means we can make a reasonable investment in our schools and keep the state budget balanced without using our savings account.

After years of delays and stagnant funding for schools, we can - and should - boost funding for schools beyond the Governor's recommendation.

' Rep. Ruff is Ranking Member of the House Education Committee and also serves Iowa's 56th District, which includes Allamakee and Clayton Counties. Comments: Patti.Ruff@legis.iowa.gov