The Iowa Legislature

State of Iowa

Eighty-Second General Assembly

STATEHOUSE

Des Moines, Iowa 50319

For Immediate Release Contact: Kimberly Steenhoek

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007 (515) 281-6571

Senate Increases Funding for Education

Senate Democrats Reject Republican Amendment for 6 Percent Allowable Growth

Senate Approves 4 Percent

DES MOINES – The Iowa Senate today voted unanimously to increase state aid for Iowa’s K-12 public schools by $108 million for the 2008-2009 school year.

“The funding is a significant commitment to Iowa’s schools,” said Sen. Jeff Angelo (R-Creston). “It’s an investment in quality education for Iowa’s future.”

The bill allows Iowa’s K-12 public school districts to increase their budgets by 4 percent for the 2008-2009 school year. Under 4 percent “allowable growth,” per-pupil funding will increase by $213 to $5,546 per student.

Angelo offered an amendment to further increase school funding while protecting property tax payers from additional taxes. Angelo’s amendment called for an allowable growth rate of 6 percent and increased the proportion of state funding, so that less of the school aid formula is paid for by property taxes.

“We’ve heard the calls from school districts about the need for more money in the classroom. Our amendment would have increased per-pupil funding by another $107 to $320 per student, while easing the burden on property tax payers,” said Angelo. “Unfortunately, Senate Democrats chose not to support the additional funding for schools, and the amendment was defeated.”

Under 4 percent allowable growth, total funding for schools during the 2008-2009 school year will top $3.4 billion. Of that amount, roughly $2.3 billion will come from the state, and $1.1 billion will come from local property taxes.

The bill now goes to the House for further consideration.

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