Education Reform Moves to Conference Committee Some of the most important work done during the legislative session is not completed on the House or Senate floor, but in conference committees. In conference committees, bills are negotiated until both the House and Senate members reach a final, agreeable version. Of the bills education reform is currently in a conference committee. The committee is comprised of an equal number of Democrats and Republicans from the house and senate that have met the last few weeks to hammer out details of legislation that attempt to help Iowa students compete at a global level.

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Iowans Need True Property Tax Reform Many of us received our property assessments in the mail this past week which makes it clear that NOW is the time for property tax reform. The current tax system is burdensome and one of the most complex in the nation. However, when the Iowa Senate had an opportunity to make meaningful property tax changes this week we failed.

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Income Tax Reform Needed  Iowa taxpayers are plagued with headaches every year as they prepare their income tax returns, thanks to our complex tax system.  I have been advocating for tax reform and want to enact meaningful legislation that helps the taxpayer.  This session, along with property tax reform, I am working hard to reform Iowa’s individual income tax system. This week I cosponsored a bill that changes the tax […]

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Increase in Education Spending Will Not Increase Student Performance Education issues remain in the spotlight as the Iowa Senate continues to debate education reform. We must pass meaningful legislation that helps Iowa students compete at a global level and contribute to the overall economy. Unfortunately, the Senate education reform plan that was passed this week spends even more money while demanding less accountability. I offered an amendment that required accountability from the Department of Education. This would have been a five year assessment that set up guidelines for measurable student performance expectations in our schools. Some of the requirements;

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