With school budgets at the forefront in the Iowa Legislature, two local representatives made their way to Pella Saturday to discuss education funding and other issues that have yet to be resolved this session.
State Senator Ken Rozenboom and Representative Guy Vander Linden addressed the concerns of the political battle going on between Republicans and Democrats when it comes to increasing state aid. Rozenboom says lower-than-predicted budget projections and increased medicaid responsibilities have significantly cut what the state can afford to provide to school districts. Both current and former school employees attended the session held by the Marion County Republicans and asked the legislators how they plan to solve the dispute, and both say they support the 1.25% increase proposed by the Governor and passed by the House.