House Democrats demand budget fixes for K-12 public schools

Indiana Republicans have released two versions of the state’s biennial budget. The most recent version of the budget has drawn ire from schools, as an exorbitant voucher expansion program will take huge sums of money from traditional public schools rather than be funded by a separate line item in the budget.   

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) and Ranking Ways and Means Democrat state Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement calling for a budget that puts 90% of Hoosier kids first:

“This budget is unacceptable for Hoosier schools, students and House Democrats,” GiaQuinta, Porter said. “We cannot in good conscience neglect the institutions that open their doors to every Hoosier child. 

“We have no interest in slapping together a budget rife with errors – Republicans’ previous two proposed budgets have already had major problems in them. Our kids are worth time, consideration and thoughtful policymaking. We’ll stay all night until this is made right.”