Ernst’s Notes from the Capitol

This week I had the pleasure of escorting the Adjutant General of the Iowa National Guard, Major General Timothy Orr, into the House Chambers for his annual Condition of the Guard address. 

He highlighted the many accomplishments of the Iowa Guard in the past year, including worldwide deployments for our soldiers and airmen and the summer flood missions that helped our neighbors on the Missouri River. 

In his comments, MG Orr stated that this is the first time since 2001 that Iowa has no soldiers deployed overseas.  This brought a round of applause from the audience, showing gratitude for our servicemen and women and their families for the sacrifices they have endured in the past ten years.

After the address, the Senate debated the National Guard Educational Assistance Program funding.

The National Guard Educational Assistance Program (NGEAP) provides financial assistance to members of the Iowa Army and Air National Guard who are working towards a bachelor’s degree at an Iowa college or university. 

The program provides funding in an amount up to the average cost of the three Regents Universities for in-state tuition. 

This amount is roughly $3,200 per semester this school year.  The program is administered through the Iowa College Student Aid Commission, along with other scholarship and grant programs stemming from state appropriations. 

However, unlike the other programs available, NGEAP funding percentages are determined by the National Guard.

For the fall 2011 semester, the National Guard authorized a maximum reimbursement of 90 percent, which was about $2,900 per student. 

This resulted in a $2.4 million expenditure, which exceeded the National Guard’s projection.  Greater than expected use of the program caused the National Guard to underestimate the demand. 

It is wonderful for Iowa National Guard members to utilize this benefit and pursue an education. Unfortunately, the unexpected demand used up the majority of the funding available for the program.

On Dec. 28, 2011, the National Guard announced that the second semester award would be reduced to 50 percent as a result of greater than expected usage. This would have reduced the award amount to about $1,600 for individuals using the NGEAP.

However, with bipartisan support, the Iowa Senate unanimously passed a supplemental appropriation on Jan. 18. 

The appropriation of $1.3 million to the College Student Aid Commission for the NGEAP will bring the total appropriation for this school year to $4.5 million. 

It is expected that with the additional funding, the National Guard will be able to return the award amount to 90 percent for all service members using the program, despite an even greater demand for the program in the spring 2012 semester compared to the fall 2011 semester.

Senate Republicans fully support the Iowa National Guard and all Iowa’s veterans.  The NGEAP is an important tool for recruiting and retaining quality personnel for the National Guard. It is paramount that this program is funded at the appropriate level. 

It is also important we maintain the state’s fiscal health, which is why Senate Republicans introduced an amendment to repurpose unused money within the state budget to pay for this supplemental appropriation. 

Senate Democrats rejected this amendment for fiscal responsibility, in essence, voting to further increase the state budget. Senate Republicans stood firmly on the principle of funding priorities while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

I was proud to rise in support of this bill, and speak in favor of funding the NGEAP program at levels projected by the National Guard.

At the end of our debate we passed the bill unanimously, and thanked our soldiers and airmen for their support of our state and country.

FORUM SCHEDULE

January:

20 – 7:30 a.m., Taylor County Farm Bureau Office in Bedford

27 – 9:00 a.m., Leon Community Center

27 – Noon, Osceola Lakeside Casino

28 – 8:00 a.m., Creston YMCA Community Room at SWCC

28 – 10:00 a.m., Corning Library

28 – 1:00 p.m., Mt. Ayr Extension Office

You can follow me on Facebook for updates, just “like” Ernst for State Senate or visit my website at www.JoniErnst.com!

Senator Joni Ernst
Joni.ernst@legis.state.ia.us
515-281-3371