Iowa Association of Christian Schools

The Public Policy Voice of Iowa's Protestant, Christ-Centered Schools.

We are the public policy voice of
Iowa's Protestant, Christ-centered schools.

Register To Vote!

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Did you know that you can start the process of registering to vote right on our website?  Please click here to register to vote if you haven’t done so already or recently moved to Iowa.  We believe we have a duty to participate and you can’t fully participate if you aren’t registered to vote!  Let us know if you have any questions about the process!

Also in our Action Center, you may look up your current elected officials, the candidates running for office in your district, and see how your current Iowa Representatives and Senators voted on key issues affecting Christian schools in Iowa.

While you are in our Action Center, please make sure you are signed up to receive our email newsletters!

Action Alert! Increase STO Tax Credits!

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As a supporter of Christian education and school choice, we know you believe that all parents, regardless of address or income, deserve education choices that reflect academic goals and faith. The Iowa Association of Christian Schools supports an increase in the amount of the School Tuition Organization (STO) tax credits available to donors who make scholarships to lower and middle income families possible.

Last year, changes were made to ensure scholarships are available to nonpublic school families whose income is up to four times the federal poverty level.  This was up from three times the federal poverty level previously.  These scholarships enable parents to choose the school that best fits their child’s learning needs but the change in demographics eligible makes our call to increase the number of tax credits all the more urgent.

Currently $13 million in tax credits are available to donors and we are asking the legislature to increase that to at least $17 million in coming years.  Our goal has been $20 million for a number of years but House and Senate proposals have been introduced and we want to support the larger number currently found in the Iowa Senate’s proposal.

Both the House and the Senate versions of a tax bill include an increase in the STO tax credits among a number of other tax-related topics. Senate File 631 includes a $4 million increase for a total of $17 million. If all tax credits were expended, that would raise about $26 million for scholarships. House File 779 includes a $1 million increase.

The Iowa Department of Revenue estimates this program saves the state at least $12 million a year because the students don’t attend a public school that would cost the state more money.  The state does not write any checks for these scholarships as the money raised is private and the tax credits are a complete and separate discussion from public school funding.  The session is in its final days and we are hopeful, with your help, we can get this increase over the finish line!

Please send your legislators a message in support of an increase in School Tuition Organization tax credits.  Use the personal story box to add a personal story, communicate your desire for more children to have access to your school’s atmosphere/programing, or provide a general greeting or anecdote.  Then, please read through the suggested message that will be included in the body of your email to your Rep and Senator and customize it to ensure they get as many uniquely written messages as possible.  Thank you!

IACS

IACS January Newsletter – Legislative Session Preview

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Our IACS January 2019 Newsletter is out!  There are a few events to pencil in on your calendar and we have an overview on the legislature and our areas of focus for the year!

Make Your Voice Heard On K-12 Nonpublic Education Cuts!

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Although it is a tough budget year for the State of Iowa and many interest groups are asking for increased resources, we have heard time and again this year that “K-12 education will be held harmless.”  We laid significant groundwork for tax credit and education savings account legislation moving forward.

Despite this, funding of transportation services for nonpublic school students is facing a cut in SSB 1198.  The budget bill is being considered by the Iowa legislature this week. The funding was cut $278,000 in this current fiscal year.  Next year’s budget continues cutting nonpublic school transportation funding for a total cut of $363,000. This is unacceptable.

Please use our action alert to contact your Representative and Senator today and ask them to support nonpublic schools by truly “holding K-12 harmless.”

Sign Up Today For Education Celebration 2017

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There are few opportunities better than Education Celebration to give students a great experience learning about civics, government, and advocacy.  Please consider bringing a group to the Capitol on April 6 in support of school choice and parental rights in education!

You can see more details and sign up here.  Signing up isn’t required but it helps Iowa ACE plan for materials and will get you helpful information ahead of time to help you plan your day at the Capitol!

We hope to see you there!