John,

 

“Long overdue.”

 

“The best budget in recent memory.”

 

“A step in the right direction.”

 

These are just a handful of examples of the incredible feedback we’re seeing in the media in response to the recent boost in Hoosier education funding spearheaded by Governor Holcomb.

[READ] OPINION: Hoosiers Lead the Voucher Way 

The bottom line: “Once again Hoosiers are leading the way in establishing an education system that gives parents and children a choice.” — The Editorial Board, The Wall Street Journal

 

[READ] Teacher salaries to increase under funding approved for Indiana schools

The bottom line: “Teacher salaries in the Hoosier state are set to increase after lawmakers approved a new two-year state budget — one teachers say is long overdue. Indiana lawmakers on Thursday gave the greenlight to a $37 billion state spending plan which includes raises and a higher pay benchmark for new teachers. The 4.5% funding boost would be each of the next two years.” –– WDRB

 

[READ] Indiana schools see long-awaited funding increases for special education, English learners

The bottom line: “Indiana schools will receive more money for special education programs over the next two years, an increase educators say is long overdue and applaud for coming at a crucial moment for students. Lawmakers increased funding for special education by $196 million, an average 10.8% yearly increase, in the state’s new two-year budget, part of a massive increase in overall education spending thanks in part to an infusion of federal stimulus funds. They also approved an 18% increase worth $5 million each year for English language learners.”  –– Chalkbeat

[READ] LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Public School Funding Boost Welcome
The bottom line: “(The budget) provides a substantial increase for teacher pay. A 9.1% increase in tuition support means a $1.2 billion increase for schools over the next two years. This is huge because the bill also states that 45% of that money will be used to address the $600 million shortage in teacher pay.” — Mark Felix, Greater Clark Education Association president, News and Tribune

[READ] OPINION: New Indiana education funding is a step in the right direction

The bottom line: “K-12 funding has been drastically increased compared to what was expected in the budget. The boost in education funding raises the total amount allocated to K-12 public education to about $16 billion combined over those two years, with just over a 4% increase in spending each year. A significant portion of this boost — $600 million — will go to increasing the salaries of K-12 teachers. This is essential because Indiana’s average teacher salary lags well behind neighboring states.” –– Noah Moore, Indiana Daily Student

 

John, this overwhelmingly positive response from the media aligns with what Governor Holcomb and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have been saying:

 

This budget is a WIN-WIN-WIN for Hoosier students, teachers, and parents.

 

We couldn’t be any more excited about what the future holds for Hoosier education under this transformative, historic budget, and Governor Holcomb is proud to have the support of Hoosiers along the way.

 

Thank you,

 

Jake Oakman