In Wake of Proposed AEA Funding Cut Please Contact Your Legislators

Heartland AEA Superintendents:

Last week, the Iowa Senate passed a standing appropriations bill that called for a one-time $10 million cut to the statewide AEA system. This week the House Appropriations Committee met and amended that appropriations bill to include a $20 million cut to the AEAs. In this tumultuous budget climate, we as an AEA system anticipated some sort of funding cut from the legislature, but we were hoping that it would be less than either of these proposed cuts.

Since most of the funds the AEAs receive from the State go toward special education services, we need legislators to understand that a cut of this type to the AEAs (which is in essence a cut to K-12 education) will mean fewer services for those kids who need them most.

If you are willing, we would much appreciate it if you would take some time to personalize this letter template and put into your own words what a cut in AEA funding would mean to children who receive special education services. Please note that everything marked in red in the letter will need to be personalized and/or is for your reference and should be deleted before a final letter is sent.

Click here for a list of the contact information for all of the House and Senate members in Heartland’s area. It includes addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. Please use the method most convenient for you to contact the legislators in your area. If time permits, we would appreciate it if you could contact all legislators on the list, although we know the list is quite lengthy.

We hope we can count on your support during this important time. Helping legislators understand the importance of AEA services is critical at this time. Please tell your story of how the AEA has positively impacted the lives of children in your district/school. It is through these stories that legislators will be able to see the true value and importance of AEA services.

Thank you very much for taking the time to advocate on behalf of the AEAs. We appreciate your efforts to ensure that Iowa’s children receive the services they need to achieve.