AEA Legislative Update

The Iowa legislature and United States congress are both underway and merit attention. Actions at the state and federal level will impact education in general and at Heartland AEA specifically. 

At the federal level, it seems unlikely that an agreement will be found between the House and the Senate on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) that contains all of the “Title” programs. In meetings in D.C. last week, there was general expectation by staff members representing education and appropriations that ESEA would not be reauthorized this session. Additionally, these same staff members expect sequestration to occur at about the 6% level. This reduction of federal programs is expected to impact Heartland AEA funding beginning with the next school year. 

At the state level, the Governor is recommending a continuation of the $20 million cut to AEAs, as well as 0.0% allowable growth rates for both fiscal years (2013-14 and 2014-15). This means a $3.2 million reduction of revenue for Heartland AEA. 

This is a good time for legislators to hear from AEA supporters. So, what can you do?? Please consider participating in weekend forums with your legislators and advocating for services for children and young adults in Iowa. You can also send written or electronic messages. 

Please remember when sending messages to legislators it is important for you to personalize emails or letters with stories and send from your PERSONAL email account or stationary. It is against the law for us to lobby the legislature using agency e-mail or stationary. Also, do not send any such messages during agency work hours, as that would also be a violation of the law. 

In addition to contact with legislators, our colleagues at Great Prairie AEA and Grant Wood AEA have suggested the following actions all AEA employees can consider: 

• Always provide remarkable service. 
• Stay educated on legislative issues. 
• Tell the success stories from your work and the work of your colleagues to parents, community members and school staff. 
• Keep a healthy life-work balance so you can be your best at both. 

Thanks for all you are doing to care for the needs of children, families and colleagues. 

Take care, 
Paula