Science education merits support

As former high school science teachers, we applaud the state's ongoing initiative to increase STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) opportunities in public schools.

Voters should know, however, that State Sen. Joni Ernst voted against the education budget that included funding for the STEM initiative eight times (out of eight votes) over the last four years. Even when the education budget got strong bipartisan support in the state house, Ernst voted no.

What is even more troubling to us is that Ernst ignores science on environmental issues such as clean water and climate change. She voted against funding the state's Nutrient Reduction Strategy in the agriculture and natural resources budget four times out of four votes.

She also has said she does not believe that humans are causing climate change. Her climate statement is contrary to the basic science of climate change. Data shows, unequivocally, that the increase in greenhouse gases is leading to widespread climate change.

If we are going to promote better science education in Iowa, we would also hope that elected leaders such as Ernst would rely on sound science in their decision making about environmental issues.

Elwood and Cindy Garlock

Cedar Rapids