Rep. Shannon Latham

Rep. Shannon Latham

Saturday will be the first opportunity for community members to ask questions of its lawmakers during a political forum co-hosted by the Daily Freeman-Journal.

Iowa Sen. Dennis Guth, R-28-Hancock County, and state Rep. Shannon Latham, R-90-Franklin County, will participate in the forum.

The event will be held at the Webster City campus of Iowa Central Community College, 1725 Beach Street, Webster City, in Room 106 of the Chelesvig Center from 11 a.m. to noon.

Attendees will be asked to write their questions on cards. The questions will then be read by a moderator.

Registration is encouraged but not required. Online registration is available at visitwebstercityiowa.com or by calling the Chamber office at 515-832-2564.

Jim Kersten, vice president of External Affairs and Government Relations for Iowa Central Community College, will moderate the forum Saturday.

Latham said Thursday regarding House Study Bill (HSB) 542, a.k.a. the AEA bill, “My email inbox has been overflowing since Gov. Reynolds delivered her Condition of the State address and mentioned reforming Area Education Agencies (AEA).

“The intent of the Governor’s proposal is for AEAs to continue providing all their special education services, including Child Find and Early Access for children ages birth to three. If requested by schools and approved by the Department of Education, AEAs also would continue providing general education services and media services.

“However, the Governor’s proposal shifts oversight of special education to the Iowa Department of Education for accountability, transparency, and improved outcomes of students with disabilities. Several of my colleagues and I share concerns about the original proposal, including the timeline for its implementation. Although I believe a taxpayer-funded government agency should have oversight and accountability, I am concerned about increasing the size of the Department of Education by nearly 25 percent.

“Many people with whom I’ve met see opportunities for compromise and change, however, they want to slow down the process and allow time for thoughtful dialogue. I agree. I do not support HSB 542 in its current form. I believe a comprehensive plan is needed that includes input from all stakeholders, including AEA specialists, educators from rural districts, as well as moms and dads whose children use AEA services.”

Iowa Central Community College, in partnership with the Webster City Area Chamber of Commerce, City of Webster City, the Daily Freeman-Journal and KQWC News Radio host the forums.

These political forums will continue through the Iowa legislative session on these dates: February 24, March 23, and April 27.