Updates from the Iowa House

By State Rep. Jon Dunwell

Victory for Iowa Schools: Senate File 167 Finalizes SSA Agreement

After months of negotiations, we’ve passed a final Supplemental State Aid (SSA) agreement that delivers substantial new investments for Iowa’s public schools. While House Republicans initially pushed for even more funding, this compromise secures several key wins:

• 2 percent SSA Increase + $5 Per Student: This translates to over $105 million in additional school aid for Fiscal Year 2026.

• Teacher Salary Boost: Phase two of our teacher salary increase adds nearly $35 million to support our educators.

• Per-Pupil Funding Rises: The state cost per pupil increases to $7,988, up $162 per student, including $5 for per-pupil equity—a priority for House Republicans.

• Operational Sharing Cap Expanded: The cap rises from 21 to 25, unlocking an extra $942,087 for schools.

• Transportation Equity: A 3 percent increase, on top of the 2 percent SSA boost, adds $1.55 million for school transportation needs.

All told, these measures represent a 2.8 percent increase in state funding for public schools, with House Republicans securing over $4.7 million in additional investments over the Senate’s original proposal. These targeted increases address specific needs we’ve heard from school districts, ensuring funds make a real impact where they’re needed most.

Setting the Record Straight on School Funding: Some have claimed we’re prioritizing Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) over public schools, citing a “44 percent ESA increase” versus a “2 percent public school increase.” This is misleading. ESA funding grows this year due to the final phase of program expansion, but it still accounts for just 2.01 percent of the state budget, compared to 43.62 percent for public schools. Both programs follow the same per-pupil funding formula. Public schools remain, by far, our top priority.

Protecting Classroom Focus: House File 782 Limits Cell Phones

We’ve passed House File 782, a bill requiring schools to prohibit cell phone use during instructional time, and it’s now headed to the Governor’s desk. The Department of Education has been instructed to develop model policies by May 1, with exemptions for medical needs and clear methods for parents to reach students in emergencies. Schools can opt for stricter rules if desired.

Why does this matter? Smartphones and social media can distract students and harm mental health. Schools like those in Ottumwa and Des Moines that have already restricted phone use are seeing “better grades and fewer suspensions.” This bill ensures classrooms remain places for learning, free from digital distractions.

PBM Reform: The Fight Continues

We’re still working to deliver much-needed reform for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). The House has consistently passed strong PBM reform bills, only to see them stalled or heavily amended in the Senate. These reforms are critical to ensuring fair practices, transparency, and preserving our rural pharmacies. We remain committed to pushing for meaningful change and will keep fighting to get this done.

Let’s keep the conversation going!