In This Issue
Federal Policy Update
State Policy Update
IAA Action Center
Legislation
Important Dates

Quick Links

IAA

March 1, 2019 
During the state legislative session, the IAA sends out a bi-weekly legislative update. In these emails you'll get an update on what's going on at the State Capitol, and in Congress, as well as actions you can take to advocate for afterschool!

We hope this communication is helpful to you!
Federal Policy Update
President Trump is expected to release his budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2020 during the week of March 11th. While the proposal is important in understanding the president's priorities, it is ultimately up to Congress to vote on the budget. In previous budget proposals, President Trump has called for the elimination of 21st Century Community Learning Centers.
State Policy Update
First Funnel
The first funnel will be Friday, March 8th, and it is one of a few deadlines set in place to keep the legislative process moving. By this date, bills must be passed out of committee from their respective chamber (Ex. Senate files must be passed out of their Senate committee and House files must be passed out of their House committee) in order to continue in the legislative process. 

If bills are not passed out, they are considered "dead" and cannot be debated or voted on. Exceptions to this rule are Appropriations bills, Ways and Means bills, government oversight bills, and bills from leadership.

Helpful Links
Click  here to find your legislator.  You can search by address, city, school district, county, or zip code.

To find bios, contact information, and photos of all the legislators, go to the Legislators page on the Iowa Legislature website. Select either "Senators" or "Representatives" on the left-side menu to see a complete list of all members, including links to their information page and district map. 

For a complete list of Senate and House committees and members, click here.

For a full list of Senate and House leadership, click here.
IAA Action Center
We had a great afternoon at the Capitol with legislators and their staff for the IAA Afterschool Snack on Tuesday, February 26th. Please take a moment to thank any of the following legislative offices that were in attendance by sending them a quick email. 

Representative Liz Bennett, Cedar Rapids
Representative Michael Bergan, Dorchester
Senator Joe Bolkcom, Iowa City
Representative Tracy Ehlert, Cedar Rapids
Senator Randy Feenstra, Hull
Representative Jon Jacobsen, Council Bluffs
Senator Pam Jochum, Dubuque
Senator Tim Kapucian, Keystone
Representative Bob Kressig, Cedar Falls
Representative Heather Matson, Ankeny
Representative Charlie McConkey, Council Bluffs
Representative Joe Mitchell, Mount Pleasant
Senator Janet Petersen, Des Moines
Representative Art Staed, Cedar Rapids
Representative Sharon Steckman, Mason City
Representative Phyllis Thede, Bettendorf
Senator Zach Wahls, Coralville
Legislation
House File 78 Relates to the earliest school start date. In House Education subcommittee with Fry, Brink, and Donahue. Many similar bills filed in the House and Senate.

House File 98 Establishes an Iowa center for suicide prevention in the department of education and makes an appropriation. In House Education subcommittee with Mommsen, Hanusa, and Mascher. 

House Study Bill 18 Relates to school funding by modifying provisions relating to the collection of sales tax for deposit in the secure an advanced vision for education fund (SAVE). Passed subcommittee and returned to House Education Committee for a vote. 

House Study Bill 166 Establishes an interim study committee relating to the impact of state assistance program income restriction guidelines. Passed subcommittee and returned to House Human Resources Committee for a vote.

House Study Bill 179 Makes appropriations relating to the future ready Iowa initiative. In House Appropriations subcommittee with Grassley, Best, Hall, Kerr, and Oldson.

House Study Bill 206 Establishes a children's behavioral health system and a children's behavioral health system state board. Passed subcommittee and returned to House Human Resources Committee for a vote.

House Study Bill 208 Permits qualified entities to request national criminal history checks of certain covered individuals. Passed subcommittee and returned to House Public Safety Committee for a vote.

House File 274 Requires the department of education to compile reports on physical education programs in school districts. In House Education subcommittee with A. Meyer, Gassman, and Matson.

House File 306 Relates to public school funding by establishing the state percent of growth. Passed House on February 11 and passed Senate on February 13. Governor signed the bill into law on February 19.

House File 367 Establishes a legislative interim study committee to create a plan to provide universal learning and child care centers and programs. In House Education subcommittee with Hanusa, Fry, and Gaines.

House File 425 Relates to the collection of sales tax for deposit in the secure an advanced vision for education fund (SAVE). Passed out of committee and placed on debate calendar.

House File 492 Limits the amount of instructional time a school district must make up when inclement weather causes a school district to close. In House Education subcommittee with Fry, Brink, and Winckler. 

House File 501 Relates to licensed and registered child care provider reimbursement rates under the state child care assistance program. Referred to House Human Resources Committee, awaiting subcommittee assignment.

House File 563 Requires the boards of directors of school districts to appoint student liaisons to the boards. Referred to House Education Committee, awaiting subcommittee assignment. 

Senate File 163 Relates to state child care assistance, including eligibility and waiting list guidelines and copayment requirements. In Senate Human Resources subcommittee with Edler, Johnson, and Mathis. Many similar bills have been filed in the House and Senate.

Senate File 239 Provides exemptions from immunization for a person's enrollment in any elementary or secondary school or licensed child care center. In Senate Human Resources subcommittee with Greene, Carlin, and Quirmbach.

Senate File 316 Establishes a special education interim study committee.  Passed out of committee and placed on debate calendar.

Senate File 372 Establishes an education savings grant for pupils attending a nonpublic school. Passed subcommittee and returned to Senate Education Committee for a vote.
Important Dates
March 8             First Funnel
Final date for House bills to be passed out of House committees, and Senate bills out of Senate committees.

April 5               Second Funnel
Final date for Senate bills to be passed out of House committees and House bills to be passed out of Senate committees.

May 3               Target Adjournment Date
This update is a bi-weekly publication intended to share information and resources regarding legislative activities, events, and bills related to afterschool issues in Iowa. If you have questions or need more information, please contact Britney Samuelson at [email protected]
or 515-237-0340.