Letter to the Editor: Public money should go to public schools

With a new school year starting it is worth remembering that during the years Iowa Republicans have controlled both houses of the legislature and the office of the governor, they seem to have forgotten what is important to Iowans. This has been particularly true in how public education has been handled.

The Red Pride signs we see around Newton are only one example of how Iowans everywhere value their public schools.

The Republicans in the Iowa Legislature seem to have forgotten this because the money appropriated to fund our schools has not kept pace with inflation year after year. The Republicans have allowed the financial support of education in Iowa to deteriorate. Inadequate funding means we are failing our children.

Rather than seek solutions to improve our schools, which benefit thousands of students, the Republicans have turned their backs on them. Republicans instead voted to support private and religious schools by giving vouchers of tax money to parents so they can send their children to these schools. This benefits only a small number of students by comparison.

Public money should go to public schools. It is simply the most cost-effective way to educate our children.

Voters in District 38 need to elect Brad Magg to the Iowa House in November. He believes sustainable funding for public schools is vital to the future of our state. He will not forget what is important to Iowans.

Robert W. Holley

Newton