The first piece of education funding of this legislative session was passed for Iowa schools and teachers last week. With unanimous bi-partisan support, the Iowa House approved an additional $107.8 million for schools. Senate File 109 increases the state per pupil aid funding, or allowable growth, by four percent for the 2008-’09 school year. That adds up to a per pupil increase of $213, which will mean a total of $5,546 per pupil.

The increased growth rate means school districts will receive a total of $2.149 billion in state aid and $1.117 billion in property tax generated statewide. The allowable growth rate is set two years in advance to help school districts develop accurate and stable plans for future years.

Improving education to make sure Iowa children are ready to compete in the 21st Century workplace is one of the top priorities of our Plan for Prosperity. The Culver/Judge administration has recommended an additional $70 million to go directly to teacher salaries. It is the intention of the legislature to appropriate this money for the 2007-’08 school year. The ultimate goal is to bring Iowa teacher salaries to the national median, and this is a start in that direction.

Additionally, there is a recommendation from the Governor to appropriate $20 million for pre-school programs. The goal is to give all families access to quality pre-school programs, so that Iowa’s youngest children receive age appropriate nurturing and stimulation. The details of how the funds would be invested or delivered to communities is not yet decided.

A lengthy public hearing was held on the evening of Valentine’s Day. The hearing addressed House File 324, a bill that would allow a fair share agreement to be considered in collective bargaining. Over 300 people attended the hearing, and there were over 80 speakers representing both sides of the issue. This bill has drawn much attention and much misinformation. The purpose and goal of this legislation has been grossly distorted.

Current law requires unions in Iowa to cover the costs of representation and negotiation for non-union employees along with their union members. The proposed bill would simply allow fair share agreements to be considered at the bargaining table. It does not force non-union members to pay dues or join a union. That would violate the U. S. Constitution! The bill does not force anyone to give money for any political purpose.

If HF 324 is adopted, it only allows “fair share” to be one of the negotiable items that could be considered at the bargaining table. Then, only if the employer agrees to it through the negotiation process, non-union employees would only pay for their share of the services and benefits that they currently receive for free.

This bill would affect only about 10% of the Iowa workforce. It would have no impact on the 90% of Iowa employees who do not have union representation at their workplace. Those 90% of Iowa employees are “at will” workers. They do have the right to work without their collective rights and responsibilities being spelled out or protected by any union. And, the bill certainly does not force any non-union workplace to become unionized.

The letters, phone messages and e-mail that I receive from constituents run about 5 to 1 encouraging me to vote for the “Fair Share” legislation. I plan to vote for the bill unless there are significant changes brought about by amendments. I have been receiving many e-mails and letters, and I have difficulty responding in a timely manner to each one because of the heavy load of committee work right now. I assure you that I do read each one of them. I really appreciate hearing the views of my constituents and always consider them carefully when casting my votes.

You can write me at the State Capitol, Des Moines, IA 50319; call me at 515/281-7328 or e-mail me at ro.foege@legis.state.ia.us.

Ro

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