A Dewitt man running for a seat in the Iowa Senate wants to increase public education funding.
Jed Ganzer is the Democratic Candidate for the 35th district.
This is Ganzer's first run for political office, but because he's a special ed teacher in Davenport at West High School, he has closely followed legislative action on education.
If elected, he would say NO to the private school vouchers.
"That private school voucher would take money from our public schools , and would allow it to go with about 2 percent of children attending private schools. I do not think that is right or fair. Private schools have different rules, they would not have to accept all students. What I would like is that I am helping all, not just the few."
Ganzer would also he wants to fight the flat tax.
"Iowa is headed toward a flat tax, which is regressive and could cause severe cuts in our services, especially public education which has been under-funded— less than the inflationary rate. Other areas that might see cuts would be mental health, maintenance of our roads and bridges... our bridges are already rated #48 in the nation."
Ganzer also wants to fully fund the REAP, or Resource Enhancement And Protection program.
His Republican opponent in the 35th Iowa Senate District is incumbent Chris Cournoyer.
A LeClaire woman running for a seat in the Iowa Senate wants to continue to help small children.
Chris Cornoyer is the incumbent Republican Candidate for the 35th district.
Cournoyer has experience in politics after serving as a school board member, was the senator for the 49th Senate District from 2019 to 2021. If elected, she wants to offer more mental health services to school children.
"We can get ahead of a lot of things, and if we can get the treatment sooner, I think we can help them live healthier lives long term. We took the mental health levy off of the property tax and we moved it to a more sustainable funding stream out of the general fund. But I think we need to keep working with the schools and how we deliver those services in the children's mental health network."
Cournoyer would also encourage more girls and minorities to go into STEM.
"...bringing more girls and minorities in to the fold, but really focusing on those skills that employers are looking for: that career readiness. And really working between education and the business sector, our employers in Iowa. Making sure that our kids are getting their K-12 education, they're getting those skills, so they're ready for success after high school."
Cournoyer also wants to vote for flat tax, and eliminate other taxes like inheritance tax, and retirement tax.
Her Democratic opponent in the 35th Iowa Senate District is Jed Ganzer.
Iowa Senate District #35 includes Clinton County and parts of Scott, and Jackson Counties.
