In letter, Pack urges governor to prioritize teachers and education workers for COVID-19 vaccine

INDIANAPOLIS – In a letter sent last week, State Representative Renee Pack (D-Indianapolis) urged Governor Eric Holcomb to reconsider his position on prioritizing vaccinations for Hoosier teachers and education workers. Despite their increased risks of contracting and spreading COVID-19, Indiana is one of 22 states where teachers do not have vaccine eligibility.

“Teachers have served an essential role in our communities during this pandemic,” Pack said. “They faced the challenge of remote learning with determination and commitment. It has been a year fraught with struggles personally and professionally for everyone but especially teachers.”

Pack knows the experiences firsthand serving as an educator for 15 years with MSD of Wayne Township.

“I believe teachers statewide would breathe a sigh of relief to have this one stressor removed from their shoulders,” Pack continued. “With the new virus variants that have increased spreading capability, it is even more vital that these vaccinations are made available to our educators. We need our teachers and students back in the classroom and I am asking that you reconsider your decision on this matter.”

Read the full letter below:

February 10th, 2021

The Honorable Eric Holcomb
Indiana State Governor
200 W. Washington St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Dear Governor Holcomb,

I pray this correspondence finds you and your family in good health. While I am new to the Indiana General Assembly, I have been an educator with 15 years of service with the MSD of Wayne Township. I would like to discuss the possibility of including teachers in the early access of the COVID vaccination.

Teachers have served an essential role in our communities during this pandemic. They faced the challenge of remote learning with determination and commitment. It has been a year fraught with struggles personally and professionally for everyone but especially for teachers. Our teachers have been asked to continue their dedication to educating their students and they did not hesitate to take up that challenge.

While some are still teaching remotely, many have been in the classroom working side by side with students and colleagues. We have lost some of our associates to this dangerous virus and some have been sidelined due to exposure. If teachers were included in this early wave of vaccinations, more schools would be willing to go back to traditional in-person education.

I believe teachers statewide would breathe a sigh of relief to have this one stressor removed from their shoulders. With the new virus variants that have increased spreading capability, it is even more vital that these vaccinations are made available to our educators. We need our teachers and students back in the classroom and I am asking that you reconsider your decision on this matter.

It is my hope that you will give your sincere consideration to this request. Tens of thousands of Indiana educators statewide await your leadership. I am anxious to hear from you and discuss this matter further. Thank you in advance for your guidance and attention.

Sincerely,

Renee Pack

State Representative
Indiana House District 92