Two ideas to make private tuition assistance better

Apparently, many Iowans have concerns about the Students First Act (private school tuition assistance). What changes would make the new law more palatable? I suggest two changes.

First, add a means testing component. Public support may improve if tuition assistance is reduced as family income increases. The objective of the law is to give moderate income families a choice in education. Also, an income cap will reduce the cost to taxpayers.

Second, lower the tuition assistance amount from $7,630 to $6,000. Critics are correct in saying that public schools face higher per pupil costs, since they must take all comers. Students with higher cost-educational needs tend to be in our public schools. Again, this change will save tax dollars.

Iowans may be amenable to education dollars following the student if the law is modified. The increased competition for students could, over time, be instrumental in reforming K-12 education.

Mike Streb

Iowa City

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