SF 167 The recent developments surrounding the Student Supplemental Aid and categorical funding have prompted a flurry of inquiries. The proposed bill establishes a modest yet significant growth rate of 2% for both SSA and categorical funding, while also ensuring a more robust 5% increase for transportation equity an essential consideration for our rural communities where access is often a challenge. This legislation not only alters the provisions for property tax replacement but also enhances state per-pupil funding by $5, a small but meaningful step towards better educational resources. Moreover, the increase in shared supplemental aid from 21 pupils to 25 pupils reflects a growing commitment to inclusivity in our educational system. The Legislative Services Agency estimates a total state aid increase of approximately $134 million, with a notable $1.6 million earmarked for transportation equity. Additionally, the anticipated $2.9 million rise in state per-pupil funding, of which $1.4 million aims to alleviate property tax burdens, alongside a projected increase of $940,000 in shared supplemental aid from the state and $90,000 from property taxes, illustrates a promising stride towards enhancing educational funding and supporting our schools.

The Senate passed another priority of Governor Reynolds this week to support families and continue addressing the child care and workforce challenges in our state. As we continue working on bills to help expand and grow Iowa’s workforce, one aspects of that policy area that needs to be addressed is child care. Senate File 445 expands access to preschool for families, encourages child care and preschool programs to work together, and provides child care solutions for those working in child care centers. It expands the preschool options available to Iowans and allows community-based providers to directly participate in the statewide voluntary preschool program. It also creates a grant worth up to $100,000 per year for statewide voluntary preschool program providers and child care providers to work together and provide the care working parents need for their children throughout the day. The bill also codifies a pilot program that provides free child care to child care workers.

Senate File 445 uses $11 million of state funding, reallocated to help provide equal access to funding statewide, and an additional $5 million in federal funding. The proposal also leaves over $18 million to be used by local Early Childhood Iowa area boards to fit local needs.

SF 619 GOVERNOR DISASTER PLAN

Establishes a Natural Hazard Mitigation Financing program, with a revolving loan fund. Gives authority over the program to IFA and the DHS/EM. Housing: Includes loans for disaster recovery housing and for new housing built as part of recovery efforts. Assignments: Limits assignments to the amount of insurance proceeds and makes violations of this provision a deceptive business practice. Prohibits contractors from entering into contracts with homeowners in disaster areas for at least 72-hours after a disaster. Includes other provisions. Adjuster: Allows rather than requires the Insurance Commissioner to adopt rules on adjusters. Requires adjuster to be licensed. Includes licensing requirements, enforcement provisions, penalties and other matters. Appraisers: Requires persons acting as appraisers or umpires to be licensed. Includes licensing, enforcement and penalty provisions. Requires the parties to give each other a listing of the cash value of the loss and includes and procedures for appointing appraisers and umpires if the parties disagree. Includes power-of-attorney provisions. Includes timelines for settling the disputes and for reports to the Insurance Commissioner. AG: Allows enforcement by the AG or the county attorney. Appropriations: Appropriates $2 million from the EEF for nuisance property remediation and $11.6 million from the EEF for the program in FY 2025. Appropriates up to 10% of the EEF for the programs, with unused money reverting. Allows DOM to make interdepartmental transfers but requires legislative notification. Adds intent language on spending disaster funding and includes limits on spending and transferring disaster funds.

Thank you for allowing me to serve you in the Iowa Legislature.

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Contact Annette Sweeney at

annette.sweeney@legis.iowa.gov