Hite Capitol Update – February 10th, 2022
by Dustin Hite
There are many updates as the fifth week of the 2022 Legislative Session comes to a close. Next week is the first legislative funnel week. Unless a bill has been assigned to the Appropriations, Ways and Means, or Government Oversight committee, it must pass out of a committee by February 18th to receive further consideration this legislative session. There are numerous bills going through subcommittees and committees.
Today, Thursday, February 10th, the Iowa House will be debating a bill to set the percent growth for Supplement State Aid for K-12 schools at 2.5%, which equates to a $159 million increase for K-12 public schools. The State Cost per Pupil amount increases from $7,234 to $7,412, a $186 increase per student. The bill would help rural schools with transportation costs. There is an additional bill that will be debated that appropriates an additional $19.2 million for schools to help pay for para-educators, substitute teachers, bus drives, and support staff, as well as any other expenses that have increased due to high-inflation.
On Monday, February 7, 2022, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) issued a press release in which IDALS Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig encourages eligible farm owners to apply for the 2022 Century and Heritage Farm Program now. The program was created by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation to recognize families who have owned their farms for 100 years and 150 years, respectively.
To apply, download the application on the Department’s website at iowaagriculture.gov/century-and-heritage-farm-program. To be included in the 2022 Century or Heritage Farm Program, completed applications must be received by the Department no later than June 1, 2022.
On Wednesday, the STEM Council hosted the annual STEM Day at the Capitol. STEM Education helps give our students a hands-on, real-world experience at a younger age so they can have a head start on filling important roles in our workforce. I had the opportunity to give a brief speech and was able to converse with students who brought their exhibits to the Rotunda, showcasing what they have learned through STEM programs.
We will continue to work on issues affecting Iowans in the upcoming weeks. There will be committees and subcommittees and floor debates. I encourage you to visit us at the Capitol when we’re in session. If we can find a free minute, we can even make the trip to the top of the dome. As always, please email me at dustin.hite@legis.iowa.gov with any questions, comments, or concerns.
