Sen. Sweeney.

The second funnel has officially concluded. For all bills that have passed through a chamber, the opposite chamber has to pass them out of committee before the second funnel deadline which was March 15. This process keeps us focused on important priorities and bills with enough support to remain viable during the session, which will hopefully help us end the session on time. It usually means that as we work on legislation, we are finding additional issues that may prevent it from moving forward.

Any bills that go through the Appropriations or Ways and Means committees are unaffected by the legislative deadline this week. We continue to have discussions on tax policies and how we can maintain our historic record of providing income tax relief for Iowans and ensure they’re keeping more of their hard-earned money

AEA

Here is an update on the reform of the AEAs. We’ve had many conversations and exchanged many emails. Thanks to our collective efforts, we’re making headway and bringing positive change. We are negotiating three versions of the vision. We are not slashing services, nor are we eliminating the AEAs. Many representatives from our school districts and AEAs are at the table.

One section of the bill addresses our property taxes. Our schools levy taxes for educational and media purposes have a portion that goes to the AEA of the region. There is no accountability of the AEA to tell us how our property taxes are being used. Those monies should stay within our school district. Accountability, retaining our money, and transparency to the taxpayer. It is unclear within the AEA’s management and administrative overhead how those jobs are defined and described. We have the right to demand what we need.

Also pulling back the curtain on special education. In the 1970s special education was held in high regard and by 2012 within the Iowa Department of Education, the special education division was dissolved. That should not have happened! The Iowa Department of Education needs to reestablish a division of special education so they have the capacity to do what is required by federal law.

Brought to the attention of state leadership were low test scores for our special education and a deep review of the Iowa Department of Ed and the AEAs. Hence the different versions of the AEA restructuring bill. I agree with all I have visited with…..the rollout of the original bill was abrupt. Being abrupt brings forth pointed conversations. Those conversations needed to happen. Looking back in 2011, a task force report was submitted for review of the AEA’s and NOTHING was addressed. Those recommendations from the 2011 task force and the deep dive into AEAs and the Iowa Department of Education are being addressed.

I applaud the school board members, administration, and parents who have directly come to me with ideas and concerns, THANK YOU! I will continue to meet, call, and Zoom to get input and I so appreciate the conversations as we try to find what is best for students

State Senator Annette Sweeney represents Iowa Senate District 27 which covers Grundy, Tama, Hardin, and Poweshiek counties. Contact Sen. Sweeney at annette.sweeney@legis.iowa.gov.