By State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper)
Ensuring Hoosier children are getting the best education possible is one of the most important aspects of the job of a state senator.
Funding for K-12 education accounts for nearly half of the state's current two-year budget, and I expect this will be similar in the budget currently being discussed by the General Assembly.
This session, I have served as a member of the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development, which tackles many important education policy topics during the session.
Members of the committee have a wide range of expertise and involvement in the education sector including parents, former educators and members with experience in higher education.
From bills that would increase teacher compensation, tackle absenteeism and give the state extra tools to play a more active role in strategic growth of public colleges and universities, the committee has discussed many important bills to improve all levels of education throughout the state this year.
Now that the General Assembly has reached the second half of session, Senate committees are now hearing bills that originated in the House of Representatives.
Some of the House bills that have already been discussed in the committee include a bill that would require the State Board of Education to create a new system for determining the performance of schools and another bill to give Hoosiers more access to preschool options.
The deadline for bills to be heard in committee this session is April 10.
As always, constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns they may have by filling out a "Contact Me" form at IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Schmitt or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48,
which includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
