Klinker stands with teachers, opposes House Bill 1134

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) today issued the following statement in response to the passage of House Bill 1134, which would put additional burdens on Indiana's already overworked teachers:

“No education bill has caused so much concern, trepidation and fear as House Bill 1134. Teachers, who are already under enormous pressure to prepare our children for the future, will now have the added anxiety of trying to plan lessons that won't make their students and their parents 'uncomfortable.' It's unsustainable.

“We are going to lose a lot of talented teachers because of this bill. We are already in the midst of a teacher shortage crisis. Our state, our schools, our students, our parents cannot afford to lose any more educators. 

“I am deeply concerned for the future of our education system if this bill becomes law. I urge my fellow legislators in the Senate to stop this bill from moving forward, as they did when they realized their mistake with Senate Bill 167.”

House Bill 1134 passed the House with a vote of 60-37. It now moves to the Senate for consideration.