School funding more than just numbers

State Rep. Ashley Hinson has let down the families of Iowa by failing to prioritize education. She voted for a 2 percent increase in school budgets, which is completely inadequate. Reading her weekly legislative letter, she hides behind numbers. Numbers can be manipulated to support any argument and should not be our only criteria in arguing the budget for our schools.

We will know our schools are adequately funded when we see it in the faces around us. Our children's faces will be the first to show it when their classrooms are the right size and time is spent with them. It will show on the faces of our teachers who can write lesson plans without cutting corners or putting their own money in the pot. Being able to expand programs rather than worry about which one to cut will bring a look of relief to our school administrators. Looks of pride will start showing up on community members' faces as their local schools start to thrive and flourish.

It is time for Hinson to listen, really listen, to her constituents. In addition to the numbers, I am asking her to please look at the many faces around her.

Tarrill Abney

Hiawatha