Bassler: Indiana Focuses on Fiscal Responsibility and Education

This past legislative session, the General Assembly passed a new two-year state budget, which has now been signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb. House Enrolled Act 1001, commonly known as the “budget bill,” focuses on funding Indiana’s most important priorities and services while living within our means.

Our new budget prioritizes education. Fifty-one percent of the total general fund budget is dedicated to funding K-12 education and 12 percent goes to higher education.

Comprehensive, quality K-12 schooling leads to strong performance in higher education and trade industries. This results in a strong workforce, which helps grow Indiana’s economy.

Education highlights of the state budget include:

• Increases K-12 funding by $345 million over the biennium
  
• Provides $30 million per year for the Teacher Appreciation Grant program, which gives cash stipends to high performing teachers in every public school district across the state
  
• Increases total state university operating funds by $91 million over the biennium
  
• Provides $3 million each year for the Vincennes University Career and Technical College Initiative
  

In addition to funding K-12 and higher education, we also passed legislation that will expand Indiana’s pre-K pilot program, On My Way Pre-K, to 20 counties, giving more families access to affordable pre-K.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development, one of my priorities is to make sure we have a quality education system that is adequately funded and accessible. I will continue to support legislation that benefits our Hoosier students, teachers and schools.

As always, you can contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at Senator.Bassler@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.

I look forward to hearing your feedback.

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