Lawmakers seek extra funding for adult education

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Citing the high number of Iowa residents without a high school diploma, Democratic senators want to provide additional funding to community colleges for adult education and job training.

Sen. Brian Schoenjahn, of Arlington, noted Thursday the legislation would provide $25 million to community colleges to help people get high school equivalency diplomas, technical training and job placement assistance. He says that about 300,000 working age adults in Iowa do not have high school diplomas.

The bill has been approved by the Senate education committee with support from Democrats and Republicans. It will now go on to the Senate for full approval.

Schoenjahn says Gov. Terry Branstad had also indicated support for the ideas in the bill.

Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht says the governor hasn’t taken a position on the proposal.