BACK TO SCHOOL

Ragan Report: Iowa students are preparing to head back to school. I hope each and every one of them will get the education and opportunities they need for the ever-changing economy and world of work.
The best opportunities and brightest future depend on a strong investment in education. However, years of school funding that haven’t kept up with inflation may not be adequate to achieve that goal.
Iowa is competing with other states for a talented workforce and thriving businesses, but we are falling behind them when it comes to how much of the state budget we invest in K-12.
When funding doesn’t keep up with inflation, schools can’t pay their utilities, upgrade technology and textbooks, or fill teaching positions. The result: class sizes become unmanageable; students don’t get the attention they need; programs are eliminated; and school buildings close.
I’m hoping some of the additional steps the Legislature took this year will help ease the burden on local schools. They include:
• Decreasing inequities in state funding for local schools (HF 307) with additional dollars for districts that have above-average costs per student and the highest busing expenses.
• Improving school facilities (HF 546) by continuing to allocate a portion of state sales tax to help schools finance big improvements, especially for school safety and security projects.
• Helping high school students get a jumpstart on job training (HF 546) with a new Career Academy Fund that allows them to earn college credit for academic, technical and work-based learning for high-skill fields.
• Extending financial incentives for schools that share personnel and programs (HF 596). This allows schools to operate more efficiently without being forced to consolidate. After many years of lean school funding, sharing is becoming increasingly popular.
Students: Apply to be a legislative page
Each year, high school juniors and seniors work as pages at the Iowa Capitol during the legislative session, which runs from January through April.
This is an excellent opportunity for students to learn firsthand about state government, work with elected officials and see how ideas for a better Iowa become law.
Job duties include responding to requests from legislators and staff, assisting during committee meetings, and distributing and organizing materials and supplies.
Pages are paid $9.14 per hour. They may also arrange for academic credit with their high school. The application deadline for the 2020 session is October 4.
Get complete details and an application.
Additional information
This is a legislative update from State Senator Amanda Ragan, representing Butler, Cerro Gordo and Franklin counties. For bio, photos and further information, go to www.senate.iowa.gov/senator/ragan.
To contact Senator Ragan when the Legislature is in session, call the Senate Switchboard at 515-281-3371. Otherwise she can be reached at 641-424-0874. E-mail her at amanda.ragan@legis.iowa.gov.
Senator Ragan is the Senate Democratic Whip. She serves on the following committees: Agriculture, Appropriations, Human Resources, Rules and Administration, Veterans Affairs, Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee (Ranking Member).