Just a week after Governor Reynolds had her photo op with Ivanka Trump to brag about their supposed commitment to workforce readiness, she signed a bill that specifically targets the schools that will help us achieve that goal, while leaving her giveaways to corporations and Republican special interests that caused this budget crisis intact.
Iowans who need training to get ahead in our 21st Century Economy are already feeling the impact:
WHO: Positions at DMACC Will Go Unfilled Because of Funding Cuts Signed by Governor
“The cuts Governor Kim Reynolds signed include slashing half a million dollars from community colleges. For DMACC, that will have real consequences.
‘We need to be able to expand programs, not worry about holding positions open,” said Rob Denson, DMACC’S President. ‘And, these are positions in key areas like IT, health care, advanced manufacturing, transportation…’
But with funding going in the other direction, some positions will remain vacant.”
IOWA STATE DAILY: Reynolds signs mid-year cut to regent universities
“These cuts will likely lead to increases in tuition, but there could be other consequences of the cuts as well.
“With the last two years seeing $11.5 million in cuts to Iowa State’s budget, these budget changes will cut to the bone,” Wickert said. “The possible implications of these cuts for Iowa State include faculty furloughs, canceled classes and discontinued student aid.”
THE DAILY IOWAN: Reynolds approves $10.9 million funding cuts
“In order to achieve the UI’s goal of promoting student success, bringing in new talent, and hiring the best employees, Harreld said in the statement, tuition will need to be raised following the funding cuts.
“Requesting a tuition increase from the Board of Regents is not an action that the university takes lightly; however, it is now necessary in light of this continued generational disinvestment,” the statement said.”
“In the UISG statement, it said 14 percent of students from the fall of 2016 to the spring of 2017 did not return to the UI the following year, primarily for financial reasons. In 2016, a UI survey showed 52 percent of students often worry about their financial situations, the statement said, and 65 percent of in-state students graduated with debt in 2016.”
“It’s clear that workforce readiness is just a talking point for Governor Reynolds. When it comes down to brass tacks, she would rather give her donors and special interests a pay day than invest in the people of Iowa,” said Iowa Democratic Party Spokesperson Tess Seger.