Season 2 - Episode 30: We're Back - Quick Hits

We’re back. And Iowa’s legislature left us with a lot to talk about.

🎓 Expanded charter school funding
🏠 Concerns about homeschool oversight
🌽 No movement on eminent domain reform
🎗️ Pediatric cancer research funding approved
☢️ New radon mitigation requirements for homes

In Episode 30 of Deciding Iowa, Dr. Shawn Ellerbroek and Dr. Emily Boevers break down the wins, the worries, and the policies shaping Iowa’s future.

No shouting. No spin. Just real conversation about what happened under the Golden Dome.

🎥 Watch “We’re Back: Quick Hits” and decide for yourself.

#DecidingIowa #IowaPolitics #IowaLegislature #IowaPolicy

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:00

Hello, Brammer County and Alvival. Welcome back to Deciding Iowa. I'm Dr. Sean Elbrook, and I'm a cancer scientist, biochem prof, and House District 57 candidate.

SPEAKER_00 0:08

And I'm Dr. Emily Bavers. I'm a physician, mom of three, and a health advocate.

SPEAKER_01 0:15

It's been a few weeks since we met, and during that time the legislature finally adjourned. So let's talk.

SPEAKER_00 0:20

Yeah, so House File 2754 has passed both chambers and drawn a lot of conversation. It gives charter schools more public money and allows charter school teachers to participate in IPERS.

SPEAKER_01 0:33

It also allows homeschool individuals without traditional qualifications to teach multiple students not related to them.

SPEAKER_00 0:41

You know, I am concerned about the lack of oversight for unvetted adults teaching unrelated minors. There's increased potential for child abuse for one.

SPEAKER_01 0:53

That could be a problem. Yeah. The bill also allows those individuals to charge tuition and fees, assign grades, and even issue transcripts.

SPEAKER_00 1:03

Interesting. And also diplomas and requires our local regents universities to accept those.

SPEAKER_01 1:10

I've got zero problems with IPI homeschooling. I've seen some very well-educated homeschooled children in my classes, but I have the feeling this bill is designed to set up homeschooled students as future recipients of ESA voucher money.

SPEAKER_00 1:26

Yeah, I can imagine that. No oversight, set up a homeschool, fill with kids unrelated to you, charge tuition, take the money, but never get audited. That's about $9,000 per child, and our Republican-led legislature is really attempting to break public education with this bill.

SPEAKER_01 1:48

I can see no other conclusion, and it is sad. Emily, you know what else is sad? We saw no movement on eminent domain legislation.

SPEAKER_00 1:57

You know, many of us, especially Iowa's landowners, have really had it with the current legislature, uh, especially the Senate.

SPEAKER_01 2:04

Especially the Senate. Time to vote and change, Iowa. Candidates who will protect property rights, candidates who can work with others from both sides of the chamber to protect the property rights of Iowans.

SPEAKER_00 2:16

You know, one thing the legislature did do is they did finally fund the $3 million for pediatric cancer research.

SPEAKER_01 2:24

You know, they're going to pay for this through a new tax on vaping and nicotine products. You know, I wish it was straight up appropriations, but glad to see the money go towards helping the kids.

SPEAKER_00 2:34

Absolutely. And we were also happy to see the bill that requires new home builds to be mitigated for radon. It's on the way to the governor's desk.

SPEAKER_01 2:43

Well, Emily, see you in the next episode. Find out what's up with Iowa's property taxes. Until then, be well, Iowa.