From the Chief Administrator: Lack of Funding Won’t Deter Our Mission

Last week was quite a week in the Iowa legislature, as AEAs lobbied against the proposed additional $5 million funding reduction that was introduced the prior week. Thank you to all who contacted your legislators--the response across the state was heard and many partners joined us in telling the story of the true implications that will result from more funding reductions.

The reality is that while the state general fund revenue has had steady growth over the past five years, funding for Iowa schools and AEAs has lagged behind. By prioritizing other funding ahead of education, the legislature found they had a shortfall in balancing their budgets, and AEAs became a target for closing part of the gap. (Just last year, state general fund revenue growth was in excess of 6%, but AEAs and schools were given a 1.25% increase. For next year, the state general fund is projected to grow at 4.1% while the legislature and Governor approved a 2.25% increase.)

At noon last Friday, the Senate passed the standings bill to reduce the proposed AEA cut to $3.75 million instead of $5 million. The House will still have to act, and these numbers certainly remain in flux as the session moves to adjournment.

Even with the proposed reduction in funding, AEAs are federally mandated to support students with special needs, and in the short-term, Heartland AEA does not plan to reduce staff serving our most vulnerable students. But our agency will also not be able to sustain reductions in funding over time without a negative impact on services we provide. The legislature’s on-going reduction already prevents us from hiring as many additional new staff members as needed to keep pace with the growing student population across our service area.

While there are many disappointments coming from this year’s legislative session, Iowa’s educational system remains strong. By focusing our work on improving the learning outcomes for students, we will continue to provide a valued service to students and their families. We look forward to opportunities to collaborate with our elected leaders to find ways to restore our state’s commitment to predictable and adequate funds necessary to assure all of Iowa’s children have the education necessary for a bright future.

- Paula