State Policy
CCforIowa welcomes Ryan Roberts as our Director of Government Relations
This is the first week of having our newest staff member aboard. We’re pleased to have Ryan Roberts join the CCforIowa team as our Director of Government Relations.
Prior to joining Community Colleges for Iowa, Ryan served as the Policy Analyst and Grants Initiatives Manager at the Iowa Medical Society (IMS), where he led IMS’s policy research efforts focused on combating the physician workforce shortage and decreasing administrative burdens. Ryan also oversaw IMS’s grant initiatives focused on statewide efforts to address the healthcare workforce shortage and improve vaccine confidence and equity.
Ryan graduated from Drake University, where he earned his Master of Jurisprudence and Bachelor of Health Sciences. Ryan is motivated by work that is able to make positive, tangible impacts on people.
Outside of work, Ryan volunteers with the James Arthur Albert Foundation, which raises money to help build schools, expand healthcare, and make educational dreams come true for impoverished youth in Belize.
In this role, Ryan will shape policy strategy and advocacy efforts to advance the mission of Iowa’s community colleges and ensure their priorities are represented at the state and federal levels. We're thrilled to have Ryan’s help to promote student success.
Ryan can be reached by email at rroberts@ccforiowa.org.
Calling All to Contact Your Legislators about Community College Priorities
We are encouraging all community college supporters – students, graduates, employers, trustees, and employees – to participate in our new Quorum campaign focused on sharing our legislative priorities. By reaching out to legislators now, we are able to show the future we’re envisioning as we mark the 60th Anniversary of the Iowa community college model in 2026. Take action here.
Collecting 260E Success Stories
With the legislative session only weeks away, lawmakers under the Iowa DOGE task force are taking aim at the Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training Program, also known as 260E. Community colleges, businesses, and economic developers are working together to collect success stories to showcase the unique aspects and profound impact of this program. These will be featured on CCforIowa’s website, newsletter, and social media alongside partners’ channels. To submit your institution’s success stories, email Executive Director Emily Shields at ejshields@ccforiowa.org.
Sign Up Drive for Quorum growing Community College Advocates
We are TRIPLING the number of voices ready to speak up for community colleges. Quorum is an advocacy platform that makes it easier than ever to be informed and take action on community college issues. By signing up, Quorum advocates get:
Exclusive insights on how decisions the Iowa State Legislature is considering will affect Iowa Community Colleges.
Direct communication with your legislators with suggested email messages in times that matter the most for them to hear from you.
Considered for “Outstanding Advocate,” new annual awards recognizing those going above and beyond.
Be sure you’re signed up and invite 3 people to join Quorum.
Federal Update
The federal government has officially reopened after a 43 day shutdown. A Continuing Resolution is now funding federal operations at fiscal year 2025 levels through January 30, 2026, and fully funds Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, military construction, and the Legislative Branch through September 30, 2026. The measure also reverses recent layoff actions and pauses any new reductions while the CR is active. Agencies are still working to restore normal operations, and community colleges may continue to see temporary delays in services such as SNAP, veterans' education benefits, and Head Start supported childcare.
This week, the U.S. Department of Education announced six new interagency agreements to shift major program functions to other federal agencies as part of the President’s executive order to dismantle the Department. Under these agreements, the Department of Labor will assume management of programs under the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Office of Postsecondary Education. The Department of Health and Human Services will manage CCAMPIS and Foreign Medical Accreditation. The Department of State will oversee International Education and Foreign Language Studies programs. The Department of the Interior will manage Indian Education programs. These actions follow the earlier transfer of the Office of Adult, Career, and Technical Education to the Department of Labor, a move that remains in ongoing litigation. Additional legal challenges are expected given the scale of these new transfers.
When the Senate returns this week, it is expected to resume work on a second minibus that includes the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies bill. In the House, Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva was sworn in, narrowing the Republican majority to 219 to 214.
The Department of Education has also opened a new FIPSE grant competition that redirects approximately $167 million toward artificial intelligence, civil discourse, accreditation reform, and short-term program expansion. Applications are due December 3, 2025.