From: James Mayer
Columbus
Indiana legislators disrespect public education.
House Bill 1001 is currently making its way through the legislature. If passed, this bill will drain even more money from public education and spend it on vouchers for private schools. Indiana already has more voucher programs than almost all other states.
After years of “study,” Indiana teacher salaries are still significantly lower than all surrounding states. Low pay makes it hard to recruit and retain teachers.
Our state legislators took away your right to vote for the superintendent of public instruction. The last elected superintendent was Jennifer McCormick. On Jan. 11, 2021 Gov. Holcomb appointed Katie Jenner to be secretary of education in a newly created position. She is from Kentucky.
Indiana teachers could not get a COVID-19 vaccination until March 2 when President Biden issued a directive for states to prioritize teachers. Gov. Holcomb steadfastly refused to prioritize teachers for vaccination.
If public education is a top voting issue for you, then remember these facts during the next election.
