What’s The Frequency is working to keep Siouxlanders on what is happening in the tri-state legislatures on possible legislation that could become law, or killed, if not enough support accumulates.
Two weeks ago, we checked in with beat reporters from public media news for updates on the South Dakota and Nebraska legislatures.
This week we are having a discussion to catch up on some key issues that are being discussed in the Iowa Legislature.
Once per month we will check in with Republican and Democratic legislators to hear how they think things stand as the session plays out until roughly May 2.
For the month of March, those state legislators are Republican state senator Kevin Alons, of Salix, and Democratic state representative Josh Turek of Council Bluffs.
Some of the topics being debated this year include oversight of what instruction happens in Iowa public colleges and high schools, some tax property tinkering, restricting use by students of mobile devices during school hours, and how to fund K-12 education and colleges.
Republicans hold strong majorities in both Iowa chambers, so they are poised to put in place some changes if they can agree.
Alons and Turek address the lateness of lawmakers settling the K-12 funding for 2025-26, and hearing criticism from school leaders who are well down the path of setting their new budgets.
Another topic concerns bills that attempt to rein in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, such as one that passed Tuesday in the House. One question addresses concerns about how DEI has been specifically carried out at the University of Iowa, Iowa State and the University of Northern Iowa, or at community colleges.
*Click on the audio link above to hear the entire show.
What's The Frequency, Episode 57.
