Harris’ 21st Century Scholars bill receives ceremonial signing from Governor

House Bill 1449, authored by State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) received a ceremonial signing from Gov. Eric Holcomb today after being passed by both chambers late last month. The legislation will automatically enroll eligible students into the 21st Century Scholars program, an initiative to help more Hoosier students achieve a higher education.

 Harris offered the following statement after Holcomb signed his bill:

“This bipartisan legislation is a monumental achievement for Hoosiers. A higher education opens so many doors for an individual, and this legislation is a way to ensure more Indiana students have the opportunity to better themselves and their future through a college education. I'm very proud this legislation garnered support from the Commission for Higher Education (CHE). Leaders of CHE know that achieving a college education doesn't just help the individual student, but that everyone in the state benefits when we have a more educated, skilled workforce. Their support of this legislation, which was a priority for the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, helped move it across the finish line. I'm thankful to my colleagues in both chambers and Gov. Eric Holcomb for their support of this bill, which allows us to continue the work of former Gov. Evan Bayh, who created this program.

 “The 21st Century Scholars program has a proven track record of helping students graduate high school and move on to a college or university. Automatic enrollment will help more kids from more backgrounds succeed academically, and later, professionally. If we want to create a 21st Century economy in Indiana, we have to start with education.

 “I'd like to again thank my colleagues and the governor for their support of this bill, and I look forward to seeing its impacts in the years to come.”