Des Moines, Iowa — A large crowd is expected at the Iowa Capitol late this (Tuesday) afternoon for a public hearing on what Governor Kim Reynolds calls her “school choice” plan.
When fully implemented, at least 341 million dollars in state money would be distributed yearly to Iowa parents with kids in private K-through-12 schools to cover tuition and other expenses. Reynolds and House Speaker Pat Grassley say it would promote competition and improve public schools.
Democrats are opposed to the idea. House Democratic Leader Jennifer Konfrst says the plan will siphon resources away from public schools.
The governor’s previous, more limited plans for private school funding faltered in the House in the past two years. Grassley, the top Republican in the House, says he’s optimistic there are enough GOP votes this year.
Grassley and two other House GOP leaders on the new House Education Reform Committee will be able to advance the bill under new House rules that bypass three other committees where the bill could have faltered. Konfrst, the top Democrat in the House, says ensuring wealthy Iowans get thousands of state tax dollars to send their child to a private school is unpopular.
The House speaker says it was no secret on the campaign trail that the governor and GOP candidates would pursue this policy, and Republicans scored sizable victories.
Konfrst says there are just 51 private high schools in the state and 40 counties don’t even have a private elementary.
This evening’s public hearing is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. and last for 90 minutes. Hundreds of people have already submitted written comments.
