During the state legislative session, the IAA sends out a bi-weekly legislative update. In these emails you'll get an update on what's going on at the State Capitol, and in Congress, as well as actions you can take to advocate for afterschool! |
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In March, states gained access to the first two-thirds of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) ESSER III funds. In order to access the last one-third of funds, states must submit plans to the U.S. Department of Education, outlining how they plan to spend these funds.
This required planning offers an opportunity for afterschool advocates to tell Iowa policymakers to #FundAfterschool with ARP ESSER III funds. Below, you can access the COVID-19 Before and After School Grants Program Advocacy and Media Toolkit. This toolkit will give you the resources you need to write letters and emails, make phone calls and connect with policymakers on social media.
If you would like to read more about the ARP ESSER III funds, please click here. If you need any support or help with advocacy activities, please send an email to Emilee Harris at eharris@sppg.com.
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As part of the Child Care Task Force efforts as set forth by Governor Reynolds, virtual town halls are being held to hear from Iowans. On June 1st, the second town hall will focus on the voices of Iowa's child care providers, which includes staff and administration of out-of-school time providers. It is important that there is representation for our afterschool and summer programs at this virtual table.
If you are interested in participating, email Ryan.Capps@governor.iowa.gov with your name, affiliation (if any), and which town hall you are requesting to participate in.
CHILD CARE TASK FORCE TOWN HALL
Tuesday, June 1st from 6:00-8:00pm
Meeting info sent after emailing Ryan Capps
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The Department of Human Services has announced the availability of child care funding through the Investing in Iowa’s Child Care (IICC) program - funded by Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSA) and administered by Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R). Funding is available for programs that are licensed or registered by DHS or are currently seeking licensing or registration with DHS. The three types of funding available include start-up funding for new facilities, expansion funding for existing facilities and funding for programs to meet urgent needs related to facility regulations. Applications opened on May 3, 2021. For further details on the program and how to apply, please click here.
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Helpful Links
Click here to find your legislator. You can search by address, city, district, county, or zip code.
To find bios, contact information, and photos of all the legislators, go to the Legislators page on the Iowa Legislature website. Select either "Senators" or "Representatives" on the left-side menu to see a complete list of all members, including links to their information page and district map.
For a complete list of Senate and House committees and members, click here.
For a full list of Senate and House leadership, click here.
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House File 868 allocates:
- $10,524,389 in At-Risk Funds
- $40,816,931 for child care, with $34,966,931 of this funding allocated to the Child Care Assistance Program
- $2,952,459 for reimbursement of regional partnerships who participate in Career and Technical Education
- $3,183,936 for education agencies to provide school-based mental health services and mental health awareness training for educators
- $23,004,744 for the Future Ready Iowa Skilled-Workforce Last-Dollar Scholarship Program
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Provides businesses with income, franchise, monies and credits, and gross premiums tax credits for providing child care benefits to employees of the business, and including applicability date provisions.
This bill received no further action after February 16th, and did not pass before the end of session.
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Establishes a new graduated phase-out for families exiting the Child Care Assistance program. Families earning between 225%-235% of the federal poverty level are required to pay 33% of child care costs. Families earning between 235%-245% of the federal poverty level are required to pay 45% of child care costs. Families earning 245%-250% of the federal poverty line are required to pay 60% of child care costs.
This bill has passed both the House and Senate (Enrolled Status) and has been sent to the Governor for signing or veto.
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Makes health and human services appropriations for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2021.
This bill has passed the House and Senate (Enrolled Status) and has been sent to the Governor for signing or veto.
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Makes education appropriations for the fiscal year beginning on July 1, 2021.
This bill has passed the Senate and House (Enrolled Status) and has been sent to the Governor for signing or veto.
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** Bills assigned to Ways and Means or Appropriations are not subject to funnel guidelines. |
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What Happens Next?
Bills passed by the legislature now move to the Governor's desk who has 30 days to either sign or veto legislation. If 30 days pass without signature, the bill is considered to be vetoed.
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