For generations, Iowans have counted on great public schools to educate our kids and be the heart of communities small and large.
The last two years have been especially tough for many educators and support staff who have put in long hours, doing their very best to help kids through this pandemic.
It’s important that their tireless commitment to us all does not go unnoticed. Iowa teachers and all those who work in schools, deserve our respect, thanks, and support.
Democrats believe it is time to return to our deep-rooted history in education and fully fund public education. It also means trusting local school leaders and parents to do what is best for schools in their own communities, without interference from politicians in Des Moines or DC.
On the other side of the aisle, GOP lawmakers didn’t waste any time this year making headlines by vilifying teachers, claiming they have a “sinister agenda.” Under Republican leadership, public school funding in Iowa has also failed to keep up with rising costs for 11 out of the last 12 years.
The messages these actions send to our educators is harmful to us all because it will drive more teachers out of the classroom.
Here are just a few other steps Republican leaders have taken recently that weaken our public schools:
- Banning books
- Threatening teachers with jail
- Preventing teachers from talking about diversity
- Vouchers that shift millions of dollars from public schools to private schools
- Taking away the rights of teachers to have a say in their own workplace
If you know an educator, please reach out today and tell them thank you. They need to know the actions of some lawmakers do not represent the views of us all.
