Klinker: The five best bills from the first half of the 2024 legislative session
As we hit the midpoint of session, I wanted to take a moment to share some insight on some bills with a positive impact that have passed the House. Even though this is a short session, there’s been no shortage of bills introduced and passed. This year I was pleased to co-author and support policies that benefited our Hoosier educators and veterans. During my time as a teacher at Miami Elementary, it was my fellow teachers who first inspired me to run for office. I wanted to fight for developmentally disabled children and better support systems for our teachers at the Statehouse. Each day, I’m thankful for my position and the opportunity it gives me to be a voice for Hoosier educators. I think of my fellow teachers frequently on the House floor, many of whom are now retired. One of the best bills that passed this session – House Bill 1004 – provides a 13th check to our public retirees, including our teachers. The legislature has provided a 13th check or COLA since 1985, but the benefit was removed from the 2023 budget. HB 1004 remedies this budget mistake and gives our retirees on fixed incomes some much-needed relief.
Other positive education bills headed to the Senate include House Bill 1042 and House Bill 1233. HB 1042 expands the Transition to Teaching scholarship program for individuals obtaining their teaching license. I’ve talked at length about the current, pervasive educator shortage in Indiana. A local Lafayette school lost three of its teachers over winter break. Our teachers are leaving the profession in droves, and many of our college students are choosing a different profession. Transition to Teaching scholarships mitigate the cost of tuition to ensure those passionate about working in the classroom achieve their goals. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree could easily obtain their teaching licensure through the expansion of this program. The legislature expanded another educational program through HB 1233. It allows robotics teams to use grant funds for many expenses associated with competition. It is essential that we provide multiple avenues for creativity, innovation and discovery in and out of the classroom. Many of our schools in Tippecanoe Co. have a robotics program – some of them visited the Statehouse for our Robotics Day. As we move into the age of technology, we must continue to foster our youth’s interest and love for S.T.E.M.
As the sister of two veterans, I’m proud to support House Bill 1021 which creates a Green Alert for missing or at-risk veterans. I remember hearing stories of war and its effects from my brothers, Thomas and Kevin Johnston. My older brother Thomas was a Navy Medic on an island in the Pacific during World War II, and he dedicated his youth to caring for others on the battlefield. My other brother, Kevin, served in the Marine Corps Flight Program during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a commander of a squadron that flew over 300 missions in Vietnam. Both of my brothers are American heroes who dedicated their lives to our country, but I know that military service can have a profound mental toll. A green alert – similar to an amber alert — would notify communities and police of a missing serviceman. The alert increases public safety by letting law enforcement know the missing person has an increased likelihood of being armed or in crisis. I believe this bill is crucial to supporting and caring for our Hoosier heroes who’ve been diagnosed with PTSD.
The final piece of legislation I was pleased to support was House Bill 1053. Under this bill, the legal language that classifies test strips as paraphernalia would be removed. We’re embracing harm reduction strategies to further ensure the safety of our loved ones in crisis. This legislation would also allow Indiana to access federal funding for crisis teams and stabilization units. Individuals battling with substance use disorder need our love, support and care as they travel on the road to recovery. That’s exactly what HB 1053 is about: recovery. As Senate bills travel to the House floor, I will continue to think of the needs and desires of my community. I am blessed to represent Lafayette which has been my family's home for decades. I’m proud that our area is home to the Purdue University Boilermakers. I thank everyone for all their support, and please know that I will continue to support you at the Statehouse.