Iowa Legislature close to agreement on K-12 school funding

Iowa lawmakers are close to agreement on K-12 school funding for the 2017-2018 academic year, although final details are still being worked out.

House Republican leaders formally introduced House Study Bill 55 late Thursday afternoon to provide a legislative vehicle for school funding, but it didn't include a specific dollar figure or percentage increase. State Rep. Walt Rogers, R-Cedar Falls, chairman of the House Education Committee, said he expects an amendment to be ready on Monday that will include a more details on appropriations for state aid to schools.

Rep. John Wills, R-Spirit Lake, sent a newsletter to constituents Thursday which said action on school funding could be completed next week. "We will increase education funding, once again this year and are looking for an increase right around $40 million, which, considering our budget is significant and shows the commitment House Republicans have for Iowa’s schools," he said.

A state appropriation of $40 million for Iowa's schools for the upcoming academic year would represent an increase of about 1.1 percent in school aid. Gov. Terry Branstad has recommended an increase of $78.8 million for K-12 education for fiscal year 2018 and an additional $63.5 million for fiscal year 2019, which equates to about a 2 percent increase each of those years.

Read more: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2017/01/26/iowa-legislature-close-agreement-k-12-school-funding/97108938/