Statement by Iowa State Education Association President Tammy Wawro

DES MOINES, IA (02/03/2017) (readMedia)-- Senate Republicans failed Iowa's public school students, parents, educators and our communities today passing along party lines, Senate File 166, a bill which inadequately funds our schools.

Public schools in Iowa have always been a source of pride as they are rated among the best in the country. That may be in jeopardy as Republican legislators failed to fund them at even the most basic level -- the level of a cost-of-living adjustment. Setting SSA at 1.11 percent is less than half of what it takes to keep up with the rate of inflation.

Iowa's public schools, already suffering from six years of budget cuts, will see a dramatic increase in over-crowded classrooms as more teachers are laid-off or are not re-hired; students will suffer from fewer programs and course offerings as districts are forced to consolidate their classes; and decade old textbooks will be the norm in critical courses which should rely on current information.

"Foundation in Education", is the inscription on the back of the Iowa State Quarter. It was chosen above all else when selecting what to promote and hold dear about our state. Our elected leaders need simply dig into their own pockets to remember that.

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