Last week in the Senate

Guest Column
By: 
Tod Bowman
Iowa State Senator, 29th Dist.

     On Tuesday, Feb. 21, I was part of a subcommittee on SSB 1057. This bill provides additional pathways for people to gain their High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). Department of Education data indicates that “40 percent of high school dropouts need less than one course in each subject to earn their diploma.”

     This bill would allow someone to go to a testing center OR to a high school equivalency program to earn their HSED. If this bill passes, it will provide more flexibility for these students to have alternative ways to demonstrate their competency and allow them to have a better shot at getting good jobs.

     According to the Iowa Department of Education, “During his or her working life, an Iowa high school graduate earns over $700,000 more than a high school drop out.” In 2015, there were 209,740 Iowans without a high school diploma. Of those without a diploma, only 1,890 were able to obtain a HSED. The goal of this bill is to increase that number.

     I also met with Governor Branstad to thank him for advocating for the distracted driving bill that I have been working on for three years. Distracted driving contributes to many crashes on Iowa roadways.

     I also had a chance to voice my dissatisfaction with the process surrounding the collective bargaining bill. I raised some important issues that will be problematic moving forward.

     The Governor has proposed a statewide public worker healthcare pool, and we discussed his plans and ideas for how that might look. I believe it is important to work together even during these highly partisan times.

     As always, I work for you, and I appreciate your input on all issues. Please don’t hesitate to contact me.

     This week is the first funnel, which means that all bills must pass out of a standing committee to stay alive.

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