The twelfth week of session is over, and everyone is headed home for Easter weekend. Upon returning next week we will be continuing debate, confirming the appointees of the governor, and working to reach a final budget before the scheduled end the final session of the 90th Assembly on April 16th.

On Tuesday, House File 2612 passed the Iowa Senate. This bill included K-12 education funding increases for the next school year, as well as salary increases for teachers and more money for the support staff in our school districts. It was signed into law by Governor Reynolds on Wednesday.

Under the bill, the minimum teacher salary in Iowa is raised to $47,500 in the first year. Next year, the minimum teacher salary will be $50,000. For teachers who have at least 12 years of experience, the minimum salary is $60,000 in the first year, and $62,000 in the following years. This boost in salaries is the biggest increase for teachers in the history of Iowa and puts our state fifth in the nation for teacher salaries. It will help support teachers across the state, attract new teachers to Iowa, and aid us in our goal of making Iowa one of the best states for education.

Additionally, this bill sets the increase in funding for K-12 education for the school year starting next fall. This increase is in addition to the funding they get currently. Along with the other education expenses we will have this year, including teacher salaries, money for support staff, transportation equity, and special education, we are looking at over $172 million in additional funding for Iowa public schools next year. Total spending on education will be approximately $3.8 billion for Iowa public schools.

Also, HF 2612 provides local schools with new options and a significant increase in control over funding for special education, media, and education services. This coming year, AEAs will retain full flow-through funding amounts for special education supports. The AEAs will also receive 40 percent of the funding for media and educational services in the first year. In year two, 100 percent of media and educational services funding will stay with the school districts. Schools may continue to use AEAs for those services, but they will have the opportunity to utilize other options to provide the best services for their teachers and students. Also starting in year two, school districts will receive 100% of their special education funds but will be required to spend at least 90 percent with the AEA.

Ultimately, this bill was a compromise between the Senate, the House and Governor Reynolds. Many people in AEAs provide vital services for Iowa students needing special education. This bill will not jeopardize any services currently being received but should enhance them going forward.

Senate Republicans continue to maintain a disciplined and responsible approach to spending your tax dollars. Even in the face of a difficult national economy, Iowa has continued to be fiscally strong. While state revenue continues to grow, we are focused on providing sustainable increases to education, public safety and health care. We have maintained our commitment to the Iowa taxpayers, to return more of their hard-earned money back to them, especially as we continue to battle the inflationary pressures pushed down from “big” federal government spending.

Feel free to contact me with your concerns.

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Jeff Edler, a Republican from State Center, represents District 26 in the Iowa Senate.