The fourth and final Legislative Breakfast of the current session took place Saturday with education and the budget taking center stage among those who attended.
Around 50 to 60 people attended the event sponsored by the Clinton County Chamber of Commerce with well over half of the crowd clad in their red shirts representing teachers.
“There’s a lot of passion flowing around (education),” said Senator Brian Buchanan. “As I was talking with a few teachers here individually, I really fell like every member of the Indiana Senate, every member of the House, definitely is supportive of teachers and education. Sometimes there’s some different ways to achieve our objective. I think it’s good to hear everybody’s ideas and take them into consideration.”
According to a state budget proposal released by Senate Republicans, $90 million would go to Teacher Appreciation Grants and one-third must go to teachers with fewer than five years of experience. In addition, over $17 billion would go to K-12 funding, there would be a $775 million increase in K-12 support and a $12.5 million increase in school safety grants.
Buchanan said there are about 70 to 80 bills dealing with education and he added quite a few of those bills have been passed on. He also acknowledged a school safety controversy which involves mental health and parental rights. He said there are more kids coming in with baggage.
“I know our fiscal leaders are working really hard on the budget and trying to squeeze every dollar and make it go as far as they can,” said Buchanan. “I do suspect K through 12 will maintain around 50 percent of the total Indiana budget.”
Senator Jim Buck said they are way ahead on budget negotiations from where they are usually at.
“A lot of the bills are already to the governor which allows us to concentrate more on the budget,” said Buck. “We’re not that far apart on the final determination.”
Also joining the breakfast was State Legislators Don Lehe and Heath VanNatter.
Some of the legislative priorities of Indiana House Republicans include enact a responsible, balanced state budget, increase protections for our youth, strengthen our commitment to students and teachers, align and promote workforce initiatives and support Hoosier veterans.
The current session could end this week or by next Monday (April 29).