Education remains front and center during the 2022 Iowa Legislative Session. A bill that would authorize up to 10,000 students to qualify for Students First Scholarships, who are eligible either because their family income falls under 400% of the Federal Poverty Level or the student has an Individualized Education Plan has been working through the Iowa Senate.

State Senator Ken Rozenboom views it as a modest school choice proposal, and one that is neutral in terms of cost to Iowa taxpayers.

“Eligible students who withdraw from public school will receive a portion of their “per pupil” funds to help cover qualifying expenses like private school tuition or other education services and materials. These funds will be deposited into an educational savings account (ESA) each year until a student graduates from high school. Remaining funds can be used until a student is 23. The account balance then reverts to the state general fund,” he says.

Opponents have strongly argued against what they call a voucher program, and argue the expansion of those resources would drain funding from public schools, and also allocate tax dollars toward private institutions. Families of four who earn up to $110,000 per year would be eligible for the program