I took the Oath of Office on Jan. 9, beginning a third term in the Iowa Senate. It’s an honor to serve you.

The 2023 Legislative Session has begun.

This week we welcomed a total of 14 new members to the Iowa Senate. Nine new Senate Republicans were sworn into office, officially beginning the start of the first supermajority in the Iowa Senate in decades.

During the first week of session, we learn the policy priorities of legislative leaders, the governor, and the chief justice through opening remarks and speeches. Many of the speeches this week focused not only on this year’s priorities and the work to come, but also the vast accomplishments achieved over the last several years.

Gov. Kim Reynolds was sworn in as our governor for another term on Friday. I was proud to listen to her give the Condition of the State address on Tuesday and hear her vision for Iowa. She has a lot of significant reforms on her agenda to improve our state and the lives of Iowans.

A lot of work is ahead of us, but I am ready to get started. As bills get drafted, filed, and moved through the legislative process, please feel free to reach out with questions, comments and concerns.

Gov. Reynolds releases school choice bill

School choice has been a priority for Gov. Reynolds for several years. She boldly led on the issue during the election and voters resoundingly reelected her. During the pandemic many parents developed concerns about the children’s education, virtual or hybrid learning, and the curriculum and content available in their children’s schools. They wanted options to address those concerns.

The governor’s bill gives parents those options by expanding school choice. It means all parents have choice, regardless of their zip code or income. Her plan phases in low- and average-income families currently in a non-public school and kindergartners. It expands over the next few years to eventually include all families.

I am supportive of school choice. The needs of the child should be first and foremost and every child deserves the best education available.

I believe school choice would challenge all schools to be their best. I have spoken to public school administrators who say they do not feel threatened by school choice because they are confident that because of the good job they are doing, families will choose to stay with them. I like that attitude.

Many studies over the years have demonstrated improved test scores in students participating in a private school option. Even more studies have shown positive academic outcomes in public schools in states with school choice programs. These studies have shown school choice, like choice in consumer products, provides value by improving quality, and in the case of education, student achievement.

State Sen. Tim Kraayenbrink, R-Fort Dodge, represents Calhoun, Pocahontas, Sac and Webster counties.