Des Moines, IA (Radio Iowa)– Des Moines, IA (KICD) — Republicans who have absolute control over state government want to dismantle the traditional system of public school funding where state funds go to the district of residence and transfer the money to the district parents choose.

Governor Kim Reynolds says it was one of her very top issues during the recent election where her party dominated.

House Speaker Pat Grassley hopes both chambers and the Governor can craft a bill acceptable to all three.

Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver sounds frustrated that it hasn’t been enacted already.

Minority Democrats say blocking the voucher plan became more difficult after the election. House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrst says school choice is not a real option in 42 of Iowa’s 99 counties that do not even have a private school; and Senate Minority Leader Zach Wahls says depriving public schools of funding will weaken education, not make it stronger.

The Iowa legislature convenes Monday, January 10th.