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Vouchers Will Cost Iowa Taxpayers $1 Billion

Under the governor’s voucher program, Iowans can expect to pay over $1 billion to private schools within four years.

New numbers released in Governor Kim Reynolds’ budget show that private school vouchers are among the fastest-growing parts of the state budget. Next year, vouchers will receive a 44% increase in tax dollars, compared to the 2% increase in Reynolds’ plans for public schools.

The increase next year is so dramatic because every family, regardless of income, will be eligible for almost $8,000 annually to send their children to private school.

This is just another example of Iowans’ hard-earned dollars going to yet another break for those at the top and certainly another reason so many Iowans are frustrated with politics these days.

Iowa House Democrats firmly believe that public money is for public schools. With most Iowans opposed to vouchers, now is the time to contact your lawmakers and ask them to support strong public schools, not vouchers.

Capitol and Community Updates

IOWA REPUBLICANS PLAN TO REMOVE GENDER IDENTITY FROM CIVIL RIGHTS ACT: Statehouse Republicans are planning to remove gender identity from Iowa’s Civil Rights Act this session. This will allow discrimination against transgender Iowans in the workplace, finding housing, getting credit, or getting services. All hardworking people—including those who are transgender—should be treated fairly and equally by the laws of our state and should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for themselves and their families.

IOWA DEPT. OF EDUCATION TO WEAKEN CLIMATE CHANGE AND EVOLUTION SCIENCE CURRICULUM: New science standards in schools are being proposed by the Iowa Department of Public Education that weaken instruction on climate change and evolution. The public is encouraged to submit comments until Feb. 3rd.