DES Moines, Iowa — Iowa senators on Monday moved forward with a bill that would require 80% of students admitted to the University of Iowa’s medicine and dentistry programs to have ties to Iowa.
Republicans are hoping this will help fill shortages in Iowa’s health care system.
However, Democrats aren’t sure this is the way to go. They have concerns that it could disenfranchise out-of-state students from attending UI, and potentially let less qualified students in.
“I guess I’m okay with trying to make sure that we’ve got Iowans that fill those positions if they can meet the standards,” State Sen. William Dotzler Jr. (D- Waterloo) said. “The fact that you’re (Republicans) unwilling to just say ‘we’re not gonna lower the standards’ is shocking to me.”
The Senate did amend the bill expanding who qualifies as having Iowa ties and would receive priority status for admission.
Source: Iowa Senate advances bill prioritizing in-state students for UI medical, dental programs / KHQA