Legislators met with constituents in Washington Saturday, from right, Dave Heaton, Rich Taylor, Kevin Kinney and Jarad Klein. Photo by Zach Ulin.

Washington’s first legislative briefing of the session was held with Republican Representatives Jarad Klein and Dave Heaton and Democratic Senators Rich Taylor and Kevin Kinney in attendance Saturday. Just after the first week of the session the representatives were asked about the privatization of health programs, state supplemental aid for Iowa’s public schools, E911 funding and more.

Regarding Medicaid modernization, which has been delayed to March 1st from the initial January 1st deadline, Washington County Public Health administrator Danielle Pettit-Majewski said, she wants to see more transparency to see where and if the savings are truly there. She added there are only informational meetings in the state’s 11 largest cities which is difficult for people who have transportation limitations. Heaton replied the two month extension is enough time and clients have until May to switch MCOs.

Education funding was brought up by a number of those in the audience. Highland Superintendent Chris Armstrong asked if the four legislators could stand by 2.5% percent allowable growth. Kinney said he believes it should be higher than 2.5%, Taylor said he’d support it but would rather see 4%. Heaton said he doesn’t believe the economy is “rosy” and there are hard decisions ahead of the legislature. He added he’s sick and tired of seeing school transportation costs coming from the general education fund. Governor Terry Branstad proposed a 2.45% increase in state supplemental aid.