Branstad says his Iowa school funding plan is affordable, sustainable

JOHNSTON - Gov. Terry Branstad indicated Friday he planned to stand firm on his recommended $100 million boost for K-12 schools for the next school year and challenged Democrats who want to spend more to detail where they would cut other areas of state government to balance the state's ledger with slowing revenue growth.

The governor also said he was open to finding a compromise on the school start date controversy, gave a nod to Vice President Joe Biden for hosting him on Air Force II Thursday, pledged to serve all four years of his new term and declined to rule out seeking a seventh term during a taping of Iowa Public Television's 'Iowa Press” show that airs Sunday.

The governor said he presented a two-year budget plan to lawmakers last month that would earmark half of his projected new state revenues to education. That level has been approved by majority House Republicans, but Democrats in charge of the Iowa Senate say it's inadequate to meet the challenges of providing a world-class education and would position Iowa lower in per-pupil spending compared to other U.S. states.

'I think that's very generous considering the financial circumstances the state is facing,” Branstad told reporters after the IPTV taping in sizing up his 1.25 percent boost in state supplemental aid in fiscal 2016 versus Democrats' 4 percent increase for each of the next two fiscal years. Branstad's plan calls for $250 million in growth for elementary and secondary schools through June 30, 2017, while the Democrats' approach would approach $430 million.

'I don't think it's responsible to make a commitment to spending that is not sustainable,” the six-term Republican told reporters, characterizing his offer as 'a huge commitment” to K-12 education.

'We think this is responsible and something that will give school districts the stability and predictability that they deserve, and will avoid the mistakes of the past which led to across the board cuts,” Branstad added. 'What I would suggest to those that want to spend more, tell me where else you're going to cut in the budget.”

During their weekly news conference Thursday, House and Senate leaders of both political parties said they were uncertain how long it would take to resolve the K-12 funding impasse as Iowa's 338 school districts inch closer to budget deadlines that could force teacher layoffs and other cutbacks due to uncertainty over next year's state aid funding level.

On another education front, Branstad said he might look favorably on a House approach to resolve a school start date controversy that would set an Aug. 23 threshold for the earliest start of fall classes - a date that would better accommodate the Iowa State Fair and the state's tourism industry.

'I've indicated that if the Legislature wants to come up with a compromise that would address this issue, I'm willing to consider that,” added the governor, who noted he is having private discussions with key legislators.

'Just eliminating the start date altogether and letting schools start whenever they want to after the first of August, no, that's not acceptable,” he said. 'I think something closer to what's being considered in the House might be something that's acceptable as a compromise.”

Branstad also said he was 'very optimistic” that changes he has recommended to combat bullying in schools will win legislative approval this session.

Branstad called it 'a treat” when Biden invited him for a private meeting aboard Air Force II, saying the only similar experience was when he met with former President Ronald Reagan aboard Air Force I in 1984.

The GOP governor invited the Delaware Democrat to attend agribusiness ally Bruce Rastetter's Ag Summit next month, something he said Biden promised to give 'serious consideration.” Branstad also told the vice president he is a close friend of Chinese President Xi Jinping and offered to help host a state dinner in Washington D.C. or in Iowa for the visiting dignitary.

Branstad, who is slated to become the longest-serving governor in U.S. history next December, said he intends to serve all four years of his sixth term which began last month. Asked about seeking re-election in 2018, Branstad said 'I'm going to keep all my options open and I'm going to stay in close communications with my wife.”