From the ground up

     Each week as I pull together my thoughts for this newsletter I concentrate on the information coming from the committees of which I serve: Agriculture, Appropriations, Commerce and Transportation. There are in total 16 committees and I try to share information on all the activity happening in the Senate.

School Funding

     During the Legislative session we commit to providing responsible and sustainable funding for local school districts. The Supplemental State Aid (SSA) increase for FY18 makes a promise to local schools that can be kept. 

   This year the Iowa Senate voted to provide an increase of approximately $40 million in state aid to local school districts over and above the 2016 budget. This is the first step towards meeting our obligations to set school aid in a timely manner.

FFA Members in the Chamber

     On Tuesday, Jan. 31, the Capital was buzzing with FFA members from across Iowa. I was pleased to have an opportunity to visit with members from Central City and North Linn FFA Chapters.

     FFA is very near and dear to my heart as I recall my time as a State FFA Officer. It’s always a pleasure to have young people in the Capitol. Their enthusiasm and eagerness to learn is contagious.

Defunding Abortion Providers– SF2

     The proposed bill regarding abortion providers has stirred up emotions on both sides of the issue. This bill eliminates state tax dollars from going to institutions that provide abortions.

     Standing up for life has long been a priority in Iowa. SF2 would create a new state family planning program and eliminate the family planning waiver currently going to the 12 abortion providers across Iowa. The bill would transition the funding to a new program.

     This new program opens up opportunities for patients to receive all their primary health care needs from more than 200 Medicaid waiver eligible clinics. This proposed bill makes more health care facilities available to women, which is very appealing, especially in rural areas. 

     I continue to work to find a balance for those concerned with women’s health access. Abortion options will remain in Iowa, but at clinics that do not receive funding from state government.