We’re just over a month into the legislative session. The beginning of session is spent on routine committee work as bills just begin to make their way through the process.

Given that fact, most Iowans are watching to see what bills are filed to make headlines and which actually have a chance to find consensus and become law.

With the first legislative deadline approaching in early March, Iowans should have a better idea in the next few weeks about what might become law.

While the House and Senate are still working to iron out the final numbers, each chamber had debate last week on the bill to set funding for public schools next year.

Democrats in the House and Senate both recommended a modest 5% increase in funding for public schools. It’s really the minimum our public schools need next year to keep up with rising costs and make sure the 480,000 kids in public schools get the education they need.

The Governor and Senate GOP lawmakers want a 2% increase next year, while House GOP lawmakers passed a bill just slightly higher at 2.25%.

While I expect the final numbers to be set sometime soon and the House plan is slightly better, both plans fall short of what’s actually needed. Here’s what it means for our kids in public schools: half of school districts will get less money than last year. And because the increase is below the rate of inflation, this funding won’t even keep up with rising costs.

This also means property taxes will go up again for Iowans because state funding for public schools is tied to property taxes. Every time the Iowa Legislature underfunds public education, it leads to an increase in property taxes.

In the lead-up to the session, the Governor and lawmakers talked endlessly about taking action to lower property taxes. I couldn’t agree more. While it isn’t an easy problem to fix, I did assume that focus meant GOP lawmakers wouldn’t be raising property taxes again in one of the first bills passed this session.

Clearly I was wrong on this one. This bill is a huge missed opportunity to actually lower property taxes and improve our children’s education.

We heard from almost 1,000 Iowans last week who told us over and over again that the GOP’s 2% school funding plan just isn’t enough. Instead of listening to those Iowans, Republican leaders just say it’s all the state can afford. Given their plans also include a 44% increase for private school vouchers next year, that just isn’t the case.

Iowans have high expectations for our public schools. They understand the difference between state funding that helps local schools thrive, not just survive.

We can make Iowa #1 in the nation in education again, but it’s going to require a stronger financial commitment from state lawmakers.

That’s people over politics.

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State Representative Jennifer Konfrst of Windsor Heights serves the 32nd District in the Iowa House and is the Iowa House Democratic Leader.