State Rep. Vernon G. Smith appointed to 2015 national education policy committee

For immediate release:
March 6, 2015

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) has been appointed by Indiana House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath to serve on the Midwestern Legislative Conference (MLC) Education Committee of the Council of State Governments.

The MLC Education Committee proposes ideas relating to school funding, special education, college and workforce readiness, curriculum standards, higher education affordability, and charter schools. Membership includes lawmakers from 11 Midwest states and four Canadian provinces.

“The state’s biennial budget proposes for education funding to ostensibly be increased, but I’m inquisitive as to where the money is actually going,” said Smith. “With all the talk of vouchers and charter schools, urban and rural school districts seem to have been left behind in the debate.

“As an Indiana state representative, equal access to quality education for all Hoosier children is my absolute first priority,” he noted.

“Speaking with policymakers from out-of-state about the best instructional practices for students is an opportunity I welcome with an open mind and heart.”

Other topics to be addressed include student achievement and assessment, teacher training, and state funding trends for higher education.