Advocacy and Policy

State: The Second Funnel Deadline

With the second funnel deadline tomorrow, March 20, the legislature worked furiously to get policy bills passed out of committee in the opposite chamber. This meant a resurgence of subcommittee and committee action in both chambers.

While the funnel deadline does not apply to bills in Ways and Means and Appropriations, we’ve seen an increase in activity from these committees; which we can expect to continue for the remainder of session.

To see the full list of what we’re tracking that’s still active, check out the online bill tracker! Make sure you’re signed up for Quorum to get a full update on this week’s activity and for weekly legislative updates.

Revenue Estimating Conference

The Revenue Estimating Committee (REC) met last Thursday, March 12. The REC determines revenue estimates and is responsible for evaluating the fiscal and policy impacts of program and budget proposals. This information helps the legislature in drafting their budget proposals and making decisions about policy bills with substantive fiscal impacts. You can access the REC Projections here.

Importantly, the REC estimates FY27 revenue at $8.47 billion – a slight decrease to the December 2025 estimate. The Governor’s proposed budget would spend $9.67 billion creating a $1.2 billion gap requiring the use of the Taxpayer Relief Fund and budget surplus to bring the budget into balance.

State revenues for FY26 are now estimated to decrease by an additional $47 million compared to December 2025 estimates, or a 9.3% decrease from FY25 to FY26. The chair of the REC and director of Iowa Department of Management, Kraig Paulsen, attributes these changes to “a nationwide trend of lower corporate tax receipts” primarily coming from provision enacted through the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act on issues like bonus and special depreciations. You can read more about what was discussed in the meeting here.

Federal Update

Workforce Pell Regulations

Last Friday, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) released its analysis on the U.S. Department of Education’s proposed regulations for the new Workforce Pell program.

The proposed rules closely follow the language agreed upon by the negotiators during December’s rulemaking session. Importantly, the released rules include several questions for the communities input, as well as the opportunity for stakeholders to raise other questions for clarification or to speak in favor or opposition to the ED’s interpretation of the statute. Starting March 9, the public has 30 to provide comments. Although it is unlikely that the rules will get substantially changed.

Projected Pell Shortfall

The FAFSA Simplification Act – signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 – expanded eligibility and increased the number of students eligible for the maximum award amount. The new, simplified FAFSA has also led to more students successfully filing, further increasing participation in the program. This has led to a projected shortfall of $17 billion by next year unless Congress acts again to ensure adequate funding for the program.

While Congress infused $10.5B to shore up the Pell Grant program as part of July’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, that funding has not been sufficient to put the program back on safe financial footing. As Congress begins the FY 27 budget and appropriations process, we’re encouraging our congressional offices to sign onto group letters supporting the program and advocate for this critical program for our students.

CCforIowa Bulletin

We celebrated 60 Years of Impact with today’s students, faculty, trustees, businesses, and all who are a part of our state’s community colleges. From trivia and awards in the heart of Des Moines to subcommittee meetings and booths at the Iowa Capitol Building, our 2026 Leadership In Action Week showcased how community colleges meet student, community, and state needs with one-of-a-kind programming! Get the full scoop of the best week of the year by:

Below are a few of our favorite moments!

Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer, and legislators from the Iowa House and Iowa Senate stopped by the rotunda as a part of Community Colleges Day on the Hill.

New ways to represent: our events during Leadership In Action Week debut new stickers and t-shirts.

The week was full of pride for Iowa community colleges, student success, and programs that work!

Showcasing student success on our walls

The CCforIowa offices got a refresh in 2025. And just a few weeks ago, our new digs has new artwork: the beautiful sight of student success! We collected the favorites across the 15 community colleges and have representation from every corner of the state for year-round recognition at our hub just steps from the Iowa Capitol Building. When you’re in Des Moines, stop by and see for yourself!

Call us, beep us, if you’d like to reach us (especially Ryan at the Capitol)

After getting to have hundreds of us together during Leadership In Action Week, our reminder to our network is that our team is available to help year-round. You’re guaranteed nuanced insights (often humorously relatable!) and a helping hand. If you would like to return to the Iowa Capitol to see community college legislative priorities through or have support in communicating with legislators for community college issues, those are both items our Director of Government Relations Ryan Roberts can help you with. You can reach him by email at rroberts@ccforiowa.org or by phone at 515-971-9238. And just to prove it, cue his theme song!

Nominations Open: 2026 Trustee & Community College Leadership Awards

We’re excited to announce the opening of the 2026 Trustee & Community College Leadership Awards nomination process. This is an opportunity to recognize exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond in support of Iowa’s community colleges.

John P. Kibbie Award

This award honors an active trustee who has made a significant and positive impact in their local community and college. This could include developing innovative programs, advancing legislative efforts, or demonstrating leadership in addressing institutional challenges.

Must be an active Trustee at an Iowa Community College
Current CCforIowa Board members and past recipients are ineligible

Larry Ebbers Honorary Trustee Award

This award is not given annually and is determined through a recommendation process by the CCforIowa board. As an Honorary Trustee, this award goes to someone who has demonstrated a significant impact on the Iowa Community College sector.

Current or former Iowa Community College Trustees are ineligible
Must be nominated by a CCforIowa Board member

Here are the previous awardees for John P. Kibbie and Larry Ebbers Honorary Trustee.

Nominations are due Friday, May 1. Awardees will be recognized at the Trustee Conference, July 8, 2026 at Iowa Valley Community College District in Marshalltown, IA. More information about the awards can be found on our website.

To submit a nomination, complete this brief form.

News

Iowa Capital Dispatch: Iowa Senate bill to expand concurrent enrollment holds for expected changes

Potential legislation to expand career and technical education has been tabled in the Iowa Senate Education Committee, after initial approval in subcommittee earlier that day. The bill would allow for more credits to be transferred from community colleges to state universities, and would require the Iowa Board of Regents to conduct a study into establishing a performance-based funding model for the universities they oversee. The bill was tabled due to concerns around summer concurrent enrollment, as this could significantly fiscally affect school districts. To remain eligible for debate, this bill would need approval by a full committee by March 20 in order to remain eligible for debate. Read the full article here.

Raccoon Valley Radio: Senator Green Weighs-In on Bill Allowing Community Colleges to Offer Four-Year Degrees

Senator Jesse Green voiced his support for House File 2649, which would allow community colleges located at least 50 miles from a four-year-degree institution to offer bachelor’s degrees. Citing the statistics that show students who graduate high school in Iowa are likely to move away from their homes to attend college, Senator Green said, “If we have some of our community colleges offering these programs, I think that’s good for rural Iowa to keep some of these students back there utilizing their new education and talents, where they grew up.” Read the full article here.

Iowa Capital Dispatch: Iowa community colleges receive state grants to expand career academies

Gov. Reynolds announced on March 9 that four Iowa Community Colleges have been awarded funds from the Career Academy Incentive Fund. Northwest Iowa Community College, North Iowa Area Community College and Eastern Iowa Community College each received $1 million, and Des Moines Area Community College received $776,655 to expand and upgrade their career and technical education facilities. Read the full article here.

Iowa News Now: Iowa community colleges urge lawmakers to boost aid and expand access to scholarships

Community college students from each of Iowa’s 15 community colleges attended a meeting of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on March 2. Three students shared their stories, including Allen Byrne, who said, “When you invest in community colleges, you are investing in people like me. Adult learner, veterans, parents, displaced workers, first generation students who are trying to move forward and not fall behind.” Read the full article here.

Iowa Capital Dispatch: Community colleges tout success of state-sponsored business partnerships

All 15 of Iowa’s community colleges were represented at the Community Colleges Day on the Hill on March 3, and showcased the value of local business partnerships made possible by the 260E and 260F programs. These programs help Iowa businesses, and those looking to relocate to the state, to train new employees by diverting 1.5-3% of their state withholding taxes generated by the new jobs back to their colleges of origin. With over 40 years of success, these programs are instrumental in keeping Iowa’s students working and living in their communities. Additionally, college students and faculty alike were able to speak directly to legislators about their upcoming funding decisions and how community college has positively impacted their lives. Read the full article here.

Iowa Capital Dispatch: Businesses speak out against eliminating workforce training program

In a subcommittee meeting on March 4, representatives from higher education and local businesses across Iowa shared their concerns with House Study Bill 755: eliminating the funding for the 260E Workforce Training Program. CEO of ProCircular Aaron Warner told House representatives, “… as an Iowan, sometimes you know when something is working and when something is broken, and there are plenty of broken things right now. This isn’t broken, it works. It’s worked for 40 years, and respectfully, I hope that you wouldn’t change this.” Read the full article here.

Iowa Capital Dispatch: Iowa House approves community college bachelor’s degree pilot program

The Iowa House of Representatives passed House File 2649 on March 4, moving the bill to the Senate. The bill would address current rural ‘education deserts’ by allowing community colleges 50 miles or more from 4-year universities to offer bachelor’s degrees. By removing a barrier to accessible, affordable education, potential students would no longer need to consider moving away from their hometowns to attend college and jumpstart their careers. Read the full article here.

Resources

Trustee Tip: From Policy to Funding

With the second funnel this week, legislative focus begins shifting from policy to funding—making this a critical time for trustee advocacy. Conversations now center on investments that support community college priorities, including operations, workforce training, and financial aid.

The Trustee Handbook reinforces that securing stable and sustainable funding is a top priority, alongside strengthening partnerships and advancing long-term solutions for students and employers.

As these discussions continue, your voice helps ensure community colleges remain a key investment for Iowa’s future.

We appreciate the special and unique approach each and every Trustee has to building and maintaining relationships with their area’s legislators. Our Director of Government Relations Ryan Roberts is available for any questions or help, as we hope to keep Trustees up to date on legislative activity and forecasts. He can be reached at rroberts@ccforiowa.org.

Data in Action Series

First session done: see the recording and slides

We launched the first official session of our Data In Action Series with Kelly Friesleben from the Iowa Department of Education, who focused on “Using Data to Improve Student Success.” We wrapped the session by taking a closer look at Iowa Valley Community College District’s progress in leveraging student information systems and early alert data to better understand student needs and implement targeted strategies that support student achievement. Find the webinar recording and slides here.

The initial design of this series is to host monthly webinars throughout the spring. Upcoming dates, times, and topics are:

These topics may be helpful to several departments or positions on each campus. All who are interested are encouraged to attend as we embrace data at every level! Read each session’s description here.

Iowa Chapter of the Association of Physical Plant Administrators’ 2026 Spring Conference to be held April 14-15 in Des Moines

Join IAAPPA and other education facilities professionals from across Iowa to discuss, collaborate, and learn about the newest challenges and opportunities facing Iowa’s educational institutions today. This conference is being held in Des Moines’ East Village at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown. Register here.

Unique and United Conference March 28

Join Indian Hills Community College for an opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, practical learning, and community building on March 28!

Unique and United brings educators, leaders, and learners together to explore inclusive practices, elevate student and staff voice, and strengthen connections across institutions. The event is intentionally structured to deliver high-impact takeaways that can be applied immediately in classrooms, offices, advising spaces, and student communities.

Why attend?

• Faculty leave with actionable strategies for inclusive and equitable teaching

• Staff gain tools to strengthen engagement and support for diverse learners

• Students build leadership capacity and confidence in their own narratives

• Institutions foster deeper commitment to belonging and community impact