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Budget bill a step closer to passing in Senate
04/05/2017

The Senate’s version of the state budget took a step closer to passing the Senate Wednesday. HB 1001 was heard by the full Senate for 2nd reading, which allows Senators to offer amendments to the bill. After accepting two minor education-related amendments and rejecting several others by Senate Democrats, the bill was engrossed – allowing for a final vote on the bill in the Senate Thursday before conference committees begins.

An adopted amendment, authored by Sen. Eddie Melton (D – Gary), would prohibit Gary schools’ empty buildings for use by charter schools. Current law allows vacant public school buildings to be made available to charter schools. The second successful amendment by Sen. Ryan Mishler (R – Bremen) would make a technical fix on separating the private school voucher line item spending, as well as, clarifying that teacher bonuses are for classroom teachers.

Senate Democrats offered several amendments, which failed. The amendments would have provided less money for virtual charter schools, eliminated the tax credit that fortifies private school tuition subsidies, increased funding to schools with high poverty through the complexity index and increased funding for the state’s pre-K pilot program. 

ISTA appreciates the increased overall statewide funding levels and asks legislators to provide more public education dollars, and restore the $80 million for teacher compensation. ISTA remains concerned about the rapid transition in how Career and Technical Education funding will evolve. For a more detailed evaluation of the Senate’s budget, read our full review.