Reynolds signs bill providing $159M for public education, first of the legislative session
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds speaks to reporters following a news conference, Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, in West Des Moines, Iowa. Reynolds lashed out at President Joe Biden Thursday after he ordered his education secretary to explore possible legal action against states that have blocked school mask mandates and other public health measures meant to protect students against COVID-19. Reynolds, a Republican, has signed a bill into law that prohibits school officials from requiring masks, raising concerns as delta variant virus cases climb across the state and schools resume classes soon. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
(ABC 6 News) – Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill that provides public schools with $159 million in funding.
The bill increases the state’s public education budget for fiscal year 2023 by 2.5% per pupil.
“Providing a quality education for the next generation of Iowans is one of our most important responsibilities,” stated Gov. Reynolds.
“The state’s significant and responsible funding increases year-over-year for more than a decade helps ensure that Iowa has the strong public education system necessary to support the success of our students and our state.”
Additionally, the state’s investments in STEM education, work-based learning and registered apprenticeship programs enhance the educational experience for Iowa students.
More than $700 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds remain unused by Iowa’s public school districts for pandemic relief. Information and guidance on the relief packages are available on the Iowa Department of Education website here.
Reynolds also issued information today about how teachers, law enforcement officers and child care workers can claim their pandemic-related $1,000 retention bonuses, which she announced last month.
“I can’t thank each of these dedicated public servants enough for their persistence during one of the most difficult times in our state and nation,” said Gov. Reynolds. “This is one way we are able to thank them for coming to work each day to positively impact our children and keep our communities a safer place.”
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