Barker Bulletin: Iowa reports on family, childcare and budget updates.

Representative Barker said the governor signed two of his priorities into law—SF2096, moving foster care training to a competency-based model, and HF2514, codifying a child-care assistance program—and he hosted Coach Tony Dungy for a virtual discussion on fatherhood initiatives.

Representative Barker began the week by hosting Coach Tony Dungy for a virtual meeting with House and Senate colleagues about fatherhood initiatives tied to the Strong Families Tax Credit. He welcomed Colo-NESCO students to the House Chamber and spoke about presidents including Herbert Hoover. The governor signed two of his legislative priorities into law: SF2096, shifting foster care training to a competency-based model, and HF2514, which codifies a child-care assistance program. The Government Oversight Committee also heard a presentation from Tyler Technologies on a public platform to compare county and school district budgets. Key developments: - Barker hosted a virtual discussion with Coach Tony Dungy about fatherhood initiatives connected to the Strong Families Tax Credit. - The governor signed SF2096, which changes Iowa’s foster care training to a competency-based approach. - The governor signed HF2514, which codifies the child-care assistance program that began as a pilot. - Barker led House Resolution 114 honoring Iowans who served on the USS Indianapolis; it was co-sponsored by 33 House colleagues. - The Government Oversight Committee heard from Tyler Technologies about a public budget-comparison tool for counties and school districts. - Barker attended local events, including a community dinner and a coffee gathering, and visited small businesses. Summary: Representative Barker described the week's developments as advancing family-focused measures, foster care training reform, and childcare assistance while also including local community engagements and a resolution honoring USS Indianapolis service members. The House is expected to analyze and amend the Senate's property tax bill and then send a response back to the Senate. Officials presented the Tyler Technologies budgeting tool and said decisions about broader use would depend on its demonstrated usefulness.