Two weeks ago the Iowa Senate passed a standing appropriations bill that called for a one-time $10 million cut to the statewide AEA system. Last week the House Appropriations Committee met and amended that appropriations bill to include a $20 million cut to the AEAs. In this tumultuous budget climate, the AEA system anticipated some sort of funding cut from the legislature, but we were hoping that it would be less than either of these proposed cuts.
Since most of the funds the AEAs receive from the State go toward special education services, we need legislators to understand that a cut of this type to the AEAs will mean fewer services for those kids who need them most.
If you know of parents and teachers who are advocates of the AEAs and would be willing to tell how their students have benefited from AEA services, please share with them this letter template that they can personalize and send to their legislators. (Right now it is written from the parent point of view.) Please note that everything marked in red in the letter will need to be personalized and/or is for reference and should be deleted before a final letter is sent.
Click here for a list of the contact information for all of the House and Senate members in Heartland’s area. It includes addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. Advocates should contact the legislators in their area using the method most convenient for them.
Helping legislators understand the importance of AEA services is critical at this time. We have asked the Agency’s Parent Advisory Committee and our district superintendents to help us tell our story as well. It is through these stories that legislators will be able to see the true value and importance of AEA services.
Also, remember if you as an AEA staff member contact legislators, it is against the law for you to use agency e-mail, letterhead or telephones. Also, do not send any such messages during agency work hours, as that would also be a violation of the law.
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