Legislative Session Marches On -- Your Continued Correspondence is Important

Most of the early activity in the Iowa legislature has focused on the need to de-appropriate funds to meet the current year funding shortfall. With that work largely completed, attention this week is moving to state supplemental aid.

For those of you attending weekly legislative forums or corresponding with legislators, this is a great time to thank them in person or send a note of appreciation for recognizing education as a priority and not reducing funds for the current school year.

It is also a time you can provide information about your view of the role education plays in our state and describe examples from your own experiences. A few examples you could use (modified from suggestions from the Iowa Association of School Boards) along with your personal story are listed below.

• Iowa’s future leaders, innovators and citizens are its children. Iowa educators are thankful for the investment in our students and schools. (Insert a short description of the work you see/participate in that is contributing to children becoming productive citizens.)
• Iowans have an enduring commitment of support for public education and its connection to developing the potential of our young people, strengthening our communities and contributing to our economy. It takes legislators and educators working together to help each child reach their potential…(Insert a need/challenge you see and an example of how education/educators are making a difference).

Paula