HOUSE TO HOUSE
By Polly Granzow
State Representative
Honor our Flag
Last week, federal court Judge Robert Pratt declared Iowa’s flag desecration law unconstitutional due to vagueness. This came as a ruling after our American flag was shown flying upside down. As a result, the House legislature passed an amendment that defines the terms contempt, deface, defile, mutilate, and trample to the Code of Iowa. As Representative Windschitl stated “Our flag needs to have the utmost in respect and dignity afforded to it that is possible”. Windschitl is a freshman legislator who served in Iraq defending our country. It passed unanimously. The American Civil Liberties Union believes it is unconstitutional and is waiting to see if the Governor will sign it.
Teacher Quality Bill
In the last session, legislators increased teacher pay by $35 million per year for three years totaling $105 million. There was language that included accountability, but Governor Vilsack vetoed that portion of the bill. This year, SF277 increases teacher pay an additional $70 million in 2008 and another $75 million in 2009. Most of us campaigned on raising teacher salaries, as long as it went to our best teachers. SF277 pays teachers more but does not include accountability. It does not tie the increase to improved teacher performance or to higher student achievement. This bill also shifts power away from locally elected school boards. To meet this increased funding, it will raise property taxes. It will be harder to terminate bad teachers and makes it easier to give bad teachers a raise. SF277 also mandates that each School District hire a certified librarian, school nurse, and guidance counselor.
Where is the incentive for poor performing teachers to improve? The Republicans offered amendments to improve the bill. They were all rejected. I offered an amendment that would have included the teachers in the four institutions, including the Training School for Boys. Before 2004, the teachers in the institutions were paid 100% by the Department of Human Services. After quite a battle, those teachers now receive funding from the School Aid Foundation for nine months and from the DHS for three months. I argued that these teachers provide education to the same kids as the public schools for several months before they return to their respective school districts. They deserve the same incentives for quality education. My amendment was ruled “not germane” which is the prerogative of the majority party, whether it is or not. The bill passed 90-7, and I voted no.
Power Fund
One of the most bipartisan proposals this year was to create an energy Board to direct policy and funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency. I was honored to be one of ten members from the committee in Economic Growth. There were at least four bills relating to the same topic. Our charge was to incorporate them into one bill. We met three times for approximately 15 minutes each, and then it was moved to another committee, Ways and Means. Ways and Means is a funding committee, not a policy making committee. What could have been a meaningful bill is now a combination of wish lists. The structure will be an office in Governor Culver’s office, he will appoint the Board, and they will have the authority to dispense funds. Needless to say, I am disappointed with the process. We missed a great opportunity to work on a bipartisan bill that means so much to Iowa’s future.
As always, you can contact me at polly.granzow@legis.state.ia.us or at 641-858-5210 on weekends.