BALANCED BUDGET, EDUCATION TOP
PRIORITIES IN IOWAHOUSE

Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative MarkSmith, D-Marshalltown voted for an education blueprint next year that maintainskey priorities in education while keeping the state budget balanced.

“Intoday’s tough economic times, it’s more important than ever to keepour promise to Iowakids and balance the state budget.  I’m proud that we are continuing ourcommitment to raise standards and make sure our kids graduate with the skillsnecessary to land a job in today’s global economy, ensure more four-yearolds have access to quality preschool and keep good teachers in the classroom,”said Smith.  

The bill, SenateFile 2376, allocates about $850 million for the Board of Regents, CollegeStudent Aid Commission, Department of the Blind, and other educationinstitutions.  Given the state’s tight budget times, most areas of theplan are reduced about 4% from last year but re-directs some resources to keypriorities, like k-12 education.