ISEA Community College Faculty Lobby Day

This morning Team ISEA held its 2nd annual Community College Faculty Lobby Day. Nearly 50 Higher Education members gathered at the Quality Inn in Des Moines for a legislative briefing before moving on to the state Capitol.

Jon Studer, ISEA Lobbyist and liaison to the Higher Education standing committee and Ellen Stone, Administrative Assistant worked together as a team to put together this great day for Team ISEA Higher Education members.

Members from across the state gathered early for the opportunity to have conversations with their colleagues over coffee and sweet rolls.












State Represenative Mike Reasoner of Creston was able to break away from the Capitol and join us to represent legislative leadership. Rep. Reasoner spoke of the great relationship he has with community college faculty from Southwestern Community College in his hometown because they continue to have conversations back home at Legislative Forums as well as meeting for coffee to discuss issues.

Lobbyist Jon Studer provided a powerpoint presentation on community college growing enrollment, lagging salaries for Iowa's faculty, professional development, Quality Faculty issues, and community college general aid. Lobbyist Brad Hudson gave us an overview of recent legislative action.

Dave Neas of Southwestern Community College and a member of the ISEA Higher Education standing committee reported on the Quality Faculty Work Group.

Bradley Dyke (on the right) a Political Science Faculty member from DMACC presented Advocacy Training for all gathered.

As our morning came to a close, ISEA Higher Education members grabbed a sack lunch and soda then headed to the Capitol to visit with state law makers.

The afternoon's agenda included meeting with Education Appropriations Subcommittee Chairs, Senator Frank Wood and Representative Cindy Winckler.