A controversial bill in  the Iowa House about the issue of school choice, a local representative says he’s openly undecided on the matter. 

House District 20 Representative Ray Sorensen says the House and Senate are still bartering over the education savings account, also known as school vouchers, which would allocate 10,000 scholarships for those in public schools for kindergarten through 12th grade who want to enroll in a private school. Sorensen says they have done a lot on school choice the last two years that include expanding charter schools and open enrollment, as well as creating school tuition organizations and much more. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that the current education bill has made him pause after talking with educators. 

“This bill, in its final form and what’s going to be presented before the House, I’m kind of hesitant to weigh in on exactly where I’m at. I could just continue to take in all the information and hope to make a very informed decision when it comes to that.” 

Many Democrats have opposed this piece of legislation that this funding would be better suited to improve public education and raise pay for teachers. Sorensen says it is important to hear the other side of this issue. 

“I’m taking everything into account. There is still also on the flip side of that, there are students stuck in public school that could use a hand up and a hand out.”

Sorensen states there are quite a few members in the House that have concerns on how this will affect rural districts.