WASHINGTON, DC -- Analyst at the Iowa Association of School Boards have revealed what many in the State have known for years and what Congressman Fattah has been fighting against across the nation. Gross inequities in the school finance formula not only leaves the state exposed to legal challenges but short changes thousands of disadvantaged Iowa youth. As Presidential candidates set their eyes on the state for a leap in the nation’s first caucus, they must be mindful that a high quality education is essential to our children and the prosperity of our nation.

“Education is the key to a quality and opportunity in America.  We see that not only the children in the centers of Philadelphia, Chicago and New York but also the prairies of Iowa, Kansas and South Dakota are being shortchanged by inequitable financing,” said Fattah.  “I encourage all Americans to continue in the struggle for equal access to a high quality education and to look for solutions to address the challenges not just state by state by nationwide.”

In an effort to bring a federal remedy to the issue of adequate resources, Congressman Fattah has introduced The Student Bill of Rights, H.R.2178.  This bill would hold states accountable for providing resources including highly qualified teachers and school counselors, challenging curricula, up-to-date textbooks and materials, and small classes to all students who rely on public schools for their education. Current law requires that schools within the same district provide comparable educational services.  This bill would extend that basic protection to the state level by requiring comparability across school districts.

For more information visit Congressman Fattah’s website at www.house.gov/fattah.