Mark Smith, Marshalltown Democrat and Minority Leader in the Iowa House of Representatives, started circulating a petition Wednesday calling for convening a special session of the Iowa General Assembly in order to restore public school funding vetoed July 2 by Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad.
“During the 2015 legislative session, Iowa lawmakers agreed to give Iowa schools $56 million in urgently needed funding,” Smith said. “Iowa school leaders say this will help prevent larger class sizes, fewer teachers and higher property taxes. On July 2, Governor Terry Branstad vetoed this school funding compromise. A special session of the Iowa Legislature is the only way to overturn this veto and help our local schools.”
To convene a special session, two-thirds of Iowa lawmakers must formally request one. The Iowa General Assembly is composed of 50 members in the Iowa Senate and 100 members of the Iowa House of Representatives. At least 67 state senators and 34 state representatives are required to convene a special session.
Voters can find out who their legislators are by visiting the “Find Your Legislator” page on the Iowa General Assembly website.
“Sign this petition to encourage your state representative and state senator to join the call for a special session,” Smith said. “Our kids deserve it.”
