–Area legislators discussed a wide variety of topics during an open forum Saturday morning at the Algona Public Library. After making opening statements, Senator Dave Rowley, along with Representatives John Wills and Henry Stone took questions on topics ranging from property taxes to crypto currency. Carbon Pipeline legislation has been at the forefront of this session in Des Moines, as House Republicans have passed another bill that would prohibit Summit Carbon Solutions from using eminent domain to seize property for their pipeline project. Representative Wills says the use of eminent domain is a matter for the courts.
House Republicans are set to unveil their state spending plan for K-12 public schools today. Representative Henry Stone says the initial house proposal will be a 2.25% increase in supplemental state aid (SSA), after the Senate approved a 1.75% increase last week.
Public school officials across the state have requested a 4-5% increase in SSA funding for the coming year to help cover rising costs from inflation, health insurance rates, and increased salary requirements that go into effect for the 2026-2027 school year. The increased salaries were approved by the legislature in 2024, and mandate that any new teacher begin with a salary of $50,000/year while any teacher with 12-years of service be paid at least $60,000/year.
