Parents, educators share their thoughts on school choice bill in front of House lawmakers
Parents, students, educators, and more packed into a room at the Iowa Statehouse Tuesday evening to speak in front of legislators about the school choice bill.
While Tuesday wasn't the first time the public was able to share their thoughts on the bill, it was the first time they spoke in front of the House Education Subcommittee. Last Thursday's hearing was in front of the Senate Education Subcommittee.
If the bill passes, it would deposit $7,598 into an education savings account each year for any K-12 student who wants to switch to private school. That amount is usually sent to Iowa public schools for each student in their district. Instead, the money would go to families to pay for private school tuition, along with textbooks, tutoring and other qualifying expenses.
The deposit was either a big draw or a big concern for people Tuesday night. Those who love the idea say it can be life-changing for their family's future.
"I believe that public choice is important for our schools because it allows our parents to put our kids in a safe learning environment where they can thrive," said Arlene McClintock.
Other parents also argued that taxing paying dollars usually sent to Iowa public schools for each student in the district, shouldn't belong to private or public schools. They believe it should belong to the student to do what they wish.
However, those against the bill said it could hurt public schools.
Some parents and teachers even expressed concerns that private schools won't take some students if they have special needs.
Instead, many people who spoke up against the bill say they want to see more money be used to help public schools.
"It is this state government's responsibility to ensure every school has everything it needs to educate every child; not designing a system by which you can abdicate that responsibility and then allow a select few a way out," said David Dubczak, who says he's been a teacher for over a decade.
The House Education Reform Committee will now hold a subcommittee hearing to consider the bill.
In a separate move Tuesday morning, House Republicans approved a key administrative rule change that will also impact the governor’s school choice plan.
State lawmakers approved a change to House Rule 32, passing the proposal out of committee.
House Rule 32 has traditionally required all bills that "appropriate money" go through the Appropriations Committee. All bills that pertain to the "collection of taxes and fees" are required to go through the Ways and Means Committee.
The longstanding rule is part of the traditional process to evaluate bills' financial impact.
However, Tuesday’s change would mean all bills assigned to the House Education Reform Committee, including the governor’s school choice plan, are exempt from going through the House Appropriations or Ways and Means Committees.
The change still needs to be approved by a full House vote.
When asked why the change was proposed, Iowa House Republicans spokesperson Melissa Deatsch told vlog that "the Speaker has been clear that the Education Reform Committee was created to handle the ESA bill. After going through Ed Reform, the next action on the bill will be a vote on the floor."
Deatsch also noted that "the ESA bill" will still receive a fiscal note and that, with House Speaker Pat Grassley's background as a former Appropriations Committee Chair, the Education Reform Committee "will still be taking into account the cost."
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