Bergan: I predict state aid to school districts will increase by $40 million

State Representative Michael Bergan of Decorah says he believes the state legislature will increase state aid to local school districts.

Bergan says in his latest newsletter, "The House is committed to addressing state supplemental aid to K-12 education early in the session."

He notes that the State of Iowa devotes 43 percent of its budget to education funding--nearly $3.2 billion annually.  Over the past six years, funding for schools has increased $640 million. Says Bergan, "I anticipate an additional $40 million investment in education for (supplemental state aid)."

That $40 million increase--if approved by House Republican members, as expected--would represent a 1.1 percent increase in the current level of funding.  Republican Governor Terry Branstad recommended an increase of $78.8 million in fiscal year 2018 and $63.5 million in fiscal year 2019, which would average a 2 percent increase over the two-year period.