Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative Ro Foege of Mount Vernon said an education budget passed Wednesday night by the Iowa House shortchanged Iowa children and students.

“The education bill approved by the House simply does not meet the needs of our children and students,” said Foege. “We know that children learn the most in the first five years of life and making sure that every Iowa child is prepared for kindergarten will save us in the long run. The Legislature needs to make a significant investment in early childhood education and I believe we should start with a $40 million investment.”

Foege supported several proposals to House File 816 to improve education. The proposals include a $42.7 million investment in early childhood education programs, an additional $34 million to improve student achievement, a $7.8 million increase for community colleges, and an additional $20 million for state universities.

“In today’s global economy, it is important for Iowans to get advanced degrees,” said Foege. “However, over the last several years, chronic under funding by the Legislature has caused double digit tuition increases that are making our community colleges and universities unaffordable for some Iowans.”

“I was also proud to support a plan that to improve student achievement and keep our best and brightest teachers in the classroom,” added Foege. “I’m extremely disappointed that the majority party turned back our efforts to improve education in Iowa, but I’m optimistic that the situation will improve before the end of session.”

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