Statehouse Republicans are attempting to short-circuit a proposal by GOP colleague Gov. Terry Branstad to extend a sales tax intended for education so part of the money could be used to clean up Iowa’s waterways, Iowa Public Radio reported. Under Branstad’s plan, some of the added revenue as the sales tax proceeds grew would go to water quality projects. Rep. Ron Jorgensen, chairman of the House Education Committee, said GOP lawmakers want to extend the sale tax — for schools. “I’m not as familiar with water quality needs,” Jorgensen said. “I’m an education individual, and I know what the needs are of the education community.”