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Blom Bulletin

As we wrap up the third week of the legislative session, we are seeing several key pieces of legislation gaining momentum. This week, we debated and voted on the first three bills, which have now been sent to the Senate. From there, they will be considered and, ultimately, land on the Governor’s desk.

The days are busy as we juggle filing legislation, attending committee meetings, conducting research and, of course, my favorite par t– meeting with visitors.

Expanding the Iowa National Guard Education Incentive Program:

One of the first bills we’ve passed this session expands the Iowa National Guard’s education incentive program. Under the new legislation, Guard members will now be eligible for tuition reimbursement for certificate programs, such as apprenticeships in trades or obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License. This builds on the current program, which offers tuition assistance for associates or bachelor’s degrees. This expansion provides more opportunities for our service members to enhance their skills and build their careers.

The Teacher & Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Program:

Tuesday it was my pleasure to welcome Marshalltown school employees Anay and Abraham to the Iowa House. Anay, a building secretary, and Abraham, a paraprofessional, are working to achieve their teacher’s licenses and teach in the Marshalltown Community School District.

The Teacher & Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Program (TPRA) is an innovative pathway for adult paraeducators and support staff to earn credentials while learning and working in the classroom. Iowa is a leading state in offering this kind of apprenticeship program, which is creating new careers in the education workforce.

As part of TPRA, current high school students are able to earn a paraeducator certificate and associates degree, while paraeducators will be able earn their bachelor’s degree. The program initially began in the 2022-23 school year and continues to operate across the state. Marshalltown was a recipient of this first round of funding.

In October 2024, Governor Reynolds announced a new round of funding (TPRA 2.0), to help drive the development of even more education careers in more Iowa school districts. In January 2025, $3.4 million in new TRPA grants were announced for 11 school districts who plan to develop 68 new teacher apprentices and 26 new paraeducator apprentices.

Unfortunately, Marshalltown was not one of the 2.0 grant recipients. We have seen the positive impact that this apprenticeship program can have in our district and I am working to increase the funding in order for the program to continue to grow. I am committed fully funding the apprenticeship so that Anay and Abraham can complete the program and achieve their dream of educating Marshalltown students.

As always, thank you for the honor to serve you in the Iowa House. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or issues. I’d love to have visitors, so don’t hesitate to come to the Capitol and say hi.

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Contact Rep. David Blom at

david.blom@legis.iowa.gov.

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