Citizens who have sent emails, made phone calls or written letters to their lawmakers had an opportunity to put a face with their name at the DMPS Community Legislative Action Team (CLAT) Coffee with Legislators this weekend. They filled the Hubbell Elementary School library until even the chairs from the nearby teacher’s lounge were in use and still a dozen more people stood.

Sen. Nate Boulton (D), Sen. Matt McCoy (D), Rep. Ako Abdul Samad (D), Rep. Marti Anderson (D), Rep. Bruce Hunter (D), Rep. Kevin Koester (R), Rep. Brian Meyer (D),  and Rep. Jo Oldson (D) all talked about the 2018 legislative session and what it might mean for education. Then they took questions from a polite albeit persistent crowd.

The questions and concerns ranged from special education to the SAVE penny sales tax, class sizes to allowable growth. The answers included insight into the legislative process. Lawmaker opinions varied from “tough budget year” to “the state has enough money, it’s about priorities.” Everyone promised to do their best for Iowa’s students.

The gathering lasted a little more than an hour, with many legislators staying after to talk with anyone who approached them.

This is the first of several monthly coffees to be held in the Hubbell library, each on the second Saturday of the month from 9 – 10 a.m.

In addition, a DMPS Day on the Hill is planned for Wednesday, February 21. The day will start with a meeting at East High School at 8 AM, before heading to the State Capitol. If you’ve never approached a legislator at the statehouse before, CLAT is offering a training on January 27 beginning at 9:30 AM at the Capitol.

The following are the legislative priorities of Des Moines Public Schools for the 2018 session of the Iowa General Assembly:

• EXPAND SUPPORT FOR OUR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS: Extend weighted English Language Learner (ELL) funding from five years to seven years per pupil, in accordance with evidence-based practice. Additional flexibility in funds and blending funds should also be considered to meet the diverse needs of ELL students and families. Click here to read more about ELL.
• EXPAND PRESCHOOL FUNDING FOR CHILDREN IN POVERTY: Increase in weighted funding in the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SWVPP) for children living at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level ($40,180 for a family of three). Allowing flexible spending of preschool dollars will enhance our ability to meet the diverse and unique needs of the district. Click here to read more about preschool funding.
• EXTEND SAVE SALES TAX FOR SCHOOLS: School buildings in Des Moines average over 65 years old, so we continue to have a great need for security updates, repairs and renovations; in some cases, even new buildings. Because we have reached the bonding ceiling for the current Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) money, it is critical that action be taken to either remove or extend the sunset. Click here to read more about the sales tax.
• REVISE AT-RISK AND DROP-OUT PREVENTION FUNDING: It is time for Iowa to change its At-Risk and Drop-Out Prevention funding formula to be needs-driven. Such a change will more efficiently and effectively reach those students most in need of these support, and as a result enhance student success in Des Moines and across Iowa.

To learn more, follow CLAT on Facebook and sign up to receive email updates and reminders.

Photos of the January CLAT Coffee with Legislators