RSSThe 2013 Legislature is in overtime. While the Iowa House and Senate have agreed on how much to spend, we still need to hammer out the final details of a balanced state budget that makes smart investments in Iowa’s future. The path to a dynamic economy is to strengthen and grow Iowa’s middle class. To [...]
Read the full story >>Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10 Teacher Appreciation Day, May 7 Since 1984, the first full week in May is a special time to honor our teachers and celebrate their outstanding contributions. Teacher Appreciation Week is the perfect time to thank current or former teachers for their sacrifices and support for children. Teaching takes dedication, hard [...]
Read the full story >>While I hope the 2013 legislative session wraps up soon, I won’t vote to adjourn until Iowa has a balanced state budget that will help strengthen and grow our middle class. We can do that in a fiscally responsible way because Iowa’s state budget is in good shape, thanks to sound bipartisan management. The state [...]
Read the full story >>The State of Iowa Youth Advisory Council (SIYAC) and the Iowa Youth Congress (IYC) are accepting applications for their 2013-2014 terms. SIYAC is the state’s youth-led council, comprised of 21 members ages 14 to 21 from across Iowa. Its members forge partnerships with state-level agencies, lobby for legislation at the Capitol, and develop statewide service [...]
Read the full story >>Iowa has a reputation for investing in great local schools, outstanding colleges and top-notch universities. But recent trends prove that we must do more to ensure that all of our bright, young people have a real opportunity to get an affordable, quality college education. For example, the average student graduating from one of Iowa’s public [...]
Read the full story >>Investing in improving local schools has been a hot topic throughout the 2013 session. Although there are many good ideas on the table, we must make sure that we provide the dollars needed so that the initiatives we approve can truly accomplish the goal of boosting student achievement. Here’s where things stand on Education Reform. [...]
Read the full story >>Through April 30, the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs is accepting applications from high school students and teachers to participate in a writing workshop with acclaimed author Candace Fleming. “Beyond the Pages: Young Writers’ Workshop” will be offered July 22-26 at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines. The workshop explores the craft of writing [...]
Read the full story >>Legislators are meeting daily at the Statehouse to hammer out a bipartisan plan for education reform (HF 215). There are many good ideas on the table when it comes to helping local schools and Iowa students become the best they can be—and there is much that everyone can agree on. For example, we want schools [...]
Read the full story >>April 3, 2013 Statement by Senator Brian Schoenjahn, chair of the Senate Education Budget Subcommittee “Senate Republican Leader Bill Dix has issued a news release claiming a procedural ruling on a Republican amendment to non-budget legislation shows that Senate Democrats oppose lowering tuition at Iowa’s Regent Universities. “That claim is patently ridiculous. “Soon, however, Senate [...]
Read the full story >>Through April 26, nominations can be submitted for the 2014 Iowa Teacher of the Year. The award recognizes an exceptional Iowa teacher who is helping redefine education. The award is sponsored by the Iowa Department of Education and funded by the Legislature. The 2014 Teacher of the Year will be announced this fall. Complete details [...]
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