State Policy
New Campaign – Sign Up Drive: Invite 3 to Quorum
This fall, we are looking to TRIPLE the number of people signed up for our grassroots advocacy action center, Quorum. With more voices speaking up for Iowa community colleges, state legislators are more likely to support the policies that drive student success. Sign up and invite 3 more today so our network is ready for the state legislative session!
Iowa DOGE to Finalize Recommendations
The Iowa DOGE committee met for its final time on Monday, September 15th. They presented final recommendations that include some related to Iowa community college workforce programs. They did not, however, release their report detailing these recommendations. That report will be delivered to the governor by the end of September.
2025 Legislative Session Highlights Shared in Summary Report
Last year’s legislative session had movement in several of our key areas and can be an indication of what is top of mind for legislators as we look toward 2026. We saw an expansion in compliance demands and the introduction of new regulatory expectations, while also securing a $7.5 million increase in State General Aid. Now is a great time to be reminded of the progress and nuances of community college public policies. Read our 2025 Legislative Summary Report.
Meet Our New Lobbyists!
After a robust RFP process, the Community Colleges for Iowa Board and Presidents selected a new contract lobbyist to assist in carrying forward our state legislative agenda. Matt Eide and Kate Walton have over 60 years of combined professional legislative and government experience in achieving the goals of Fortune 500 companies, trade and professional associations, municipalities and non-profit organizations. Matt and Kate formed Eide • Walton in 2016. Learn more about this duo and their work on their website.
Accepting Applications for Director of Governmental Relations
The application period for our Director of Governmental Relations closes on Friday, Sept. 26. This position will be the fourth member of our internal staff. Shaping CCforIowa’s policy strategy and advocacy efforts to advance the mission of Iowa’s community colleges, this position will ensure their priorities are represented at the state and federal levels. Learn more about the job responsibilities and how to apply here.
Federal Policy
September is Student Parent Month, drawing attention to the more than 3 million undergraduates raising children while pursuing higher education. This year, federal policy changes pose serious risks to community college students and institutions: funding for Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS), Adult Basic Education, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants faces elimination; discretionary support for Minority Serving Institutions is being terminated, with $350 million in grants redirected elsewhere; and $660 million in TRIO funding remains frozen, jeopardizing programs at over 2,000 colleges and nonprofits. In Iowa, at least one college had their TRIO Educational Opportunity Center revoked and another had their Upward Bound funding released. At the same time, the House Appropriations bill proposes deep cuts to education and labor while shifting administration of Perkins CTE and adult education to the Department of Labor. ACCT urges community college advocates to speak out and call on Congress to protect essential programs that ensure access, equity, and success for students nationwide. Learn more through ACCT and AACC.