Klinker celebrates Habitat for Humanity house for Cooper Gretencord, lovingly named the ‘Klinker House’

Today, Feb. 4, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lafayette will host an event to celebrate the completion of a home for community member Cooper Gretencord. Gretencord is challenged with diplegic cerebral palsy, and this habitat home is built with his disability in mind allowing him to live independently. The house is lovingly called the “Sheila Klinker House” since State Rep. Sheila. Klinker (D-Lafayette) encouraged Gretencord to apply for the program. 

Klinker released the following statement in congratulations:

“I had the opportunity to meet Cooper through his grandmother, Gloria Shaw, who happens to be my hairdresser. He is a wonderful young man who is always smiling. He brightens the day of everyone he meets. Lafayette is lucky to have Cooper, and we are thankful that he is a member of our community and works at the YMCA to improve people’s wellness. 

“I would also like to extend my deepest thank you to Habitat for Humanity. This is the 352nd home they have built in Lafayette, and they are providing essential services. For individuals with disabilities, accessible housing is life-changing. It’s important that we recognize the need for houses that have ramps, grab bars, clear floor spaces and other accommodations. 

“I am so thankful that Cooper was able to secure this house, and I am eager to see how he makes it a home. I am grateful to Habitat for Humanity for their kindnesses and service to the Greater Lafayette community.” 

Klinker co-authors House Bill 1201 to improve chronic absenteeism and behavioral concerns

Today, Jan. 22, State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) signed on to House Bill (HB) 1201 as a co-author after it was heard in the House Education Committee. HB 1201 requires the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) to create a list of best practices for student discipline and to reduce chronic absenteeism. It also requires the IDOE to develop intervention measures for students with attendance issues.  

Rep. Klinker released the following statement about the legislation:

“Something I’ve heard multiple times from our teachers is that students are missing critical instruction. Since the pandemic, the number of our youth, of all grade levels, who are missing multiple weeks of school has soared. 

“Our teachers are highly concerned because absences hinder student progress. Absences complicate the work being done in the classroom by our valued educators. A teacher must move forward in their lessons for the rest of their class while ensuring absent students are able to catch up. As an elected body, the General Assembly must do everything we can to get students into the classroom. 

“Even when our students attend school, our administrators and educators have seen a rise in behavioral issues. Classroom disruptions are becoming an everyday issue from kindergarten to high school.  Disruptive behavior can be caused by family dynamics, peer pressure or other social factors. However, we can do more to support our educators and administrators as they address increasing behavioral concerns. Teachers exist to educate, not to be second parents to their students. Our educators must be able to come to work and do their job each day. 

“I am pleased to be a co-author of House Bill 1201. I believe it will provide much-needed support to educators and administrators across the state.” 

Klinker files 2025 legislation, continues commitment to public education and working Hoosiers

As a seasoned lawmaker, State Rep. Sheila Klinker kicked off the 2025 legislative session by filing five pieces of legislation. 

In light of teachers leaving the profession due to low pay, changing expectations and daily stress causing burnout, Klinker authored House Bill (HB) 1258, which would require a school corporation to raise the teacher compensation amount to 70% of their state tuition support. 

“I’m honored to once again represent the Lafayette community,” Klinker said. “I am blessed that so many continue to trust me with their families' futures. The most important way we prepare our youth for the future is inside the classroom. Indiana is experiencing a teacher shortage, and our current teachers are leaving the profession. Many young adults are choosing not to pursue a teaching degree due to low pay. Teachers are an essential part of the workforce; we must pay them a salary that reflects their critical importance.” 

Klinker also filed HB 1256 which increases the college savings tax credit from $1,500 to $2,500 for the College Choice 529 savings plan. Klinker helped pass the original legislation that created this savings plan in 1997. 

“The price to attend a university has increased. Many of our youth are deep in student loan debt or working multiple jobs to earn their degree. Families who start a College Choice 529 savings plan should be rewarded for choosing to put their hard-earned income towards their child’s education. I authored HB 1256 to encourage more Hoosiers to start saving for college and to give a helping hand to those who are saving ahead.” 

A full list of Klinker’s legislation is below:

1. HB 1255: Property Tax Exemption for Qualified Veterans

2. HB 1256: College Savings Tax Credit 

3. HB 1257: Epilepsy Foundation Trust License Plate 

4. HB 1258: Teacher Compensation 

5. HB 1291: Rape Kit

The community can contact the office of State Rep. Sheila Klinker by email at h27@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9848. 

Campbell and Klinker discuss water rights, IEDC with members of the community to start the 2025 session

Today, Jan. 8, State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) and State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) met with residents of Tippecanoe County to discuss the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and its LEAP Project. Both legislators intend to push for water protections, the creation of a statewide water plan and increased IEDC oversight in the 2025 session. 

“I was extremely frustrated last year when the majority chose to ignore our water legislation,” Campbell said. “Our community deserves to be heard, and I can unequivocally say most people are against using the Wabash River. People in West Lafayette feel like the government is trampling them to get what they want. In 2025, my goal is to protect our aquifer by creating a statewide water plan. We’re still at square one regarding water regulation and protection. We don’t have an agency that oversees our water supply, and we have no laws for water ownership. It’s time for the legislature to take action for our community.” 

In August 2024, Tippecanoe County voted to extend its moratorium on high-volume water exports and radial collector wells. The moratorium lasts until Sept. 3, 2025, giving state lawmakers additional time to craft and pass legislation this session. The Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) also released its regional water study for North Central Indiana earlier this month. 

“This is one of the many times in my tenure as a representative that the community has united across party lines on an issue,” Klinker said. “I’ve heard from many who do not want a pipeline, and they’re demanding a bill on this issue. They’re worried about having enough water for our community in the future. We must have ample third-party studies, and we must listen to the desires of the people. Local leadership has done an excellent job with this issue, and I am dedicated to carrying their efforts to the Statehouse. Thank you to the members of the community who shared their thoughts with me today.” 

Klinker thanks community for condolences, support after husband’s passing

In the weeks since her husband, Victor L. Klinker, passed on Dec. 6, State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) has received an outpouring of condolences, support and love from across the state. Many individuals and organizations have sent cards and flowers to her Statehouse office and home. 

Rep. Klinker released the following statement: 

“I want to personally thank everyone for their support during this difficult time. I have received countless cards, bouquets and phone calls from Hoosiers across the state. Many people took the time to come to Vic’s services, and it was a blessing to see a cathedral filled for the celebration of my late husband's remarkable life. I would like to express my gratitude to the clergy at St. Mary’s for putting together a beautiful service and for the wonderful eulogy from Father Jakupco. 

“This has been an extremely difficult time, but the kindness I have received has bolstered me. Vic and I were blessed with 62 wonderful years of marriage. I was a day older than Vic, so he would always boast he was married to an older woman. He was known in our community as 'Mr. Sheila Klinker.'  

“Many of the cards and condolences called our marriage a testament to supporting your spouse since he was my greatest cheerleader. Vic was a true statesman, and many people have shared how his service touched their lives. I’m grateful Vic has been remembered for his advocacy, love for his neighbors and his love for his family. Our three special children, Kerri, Kevin and Kelly have been my rock during this time.  

“I will deeply miss my husband who was my loving companion and closest friend. However, these past few weeks have made it clear that I do not bear my grief alone. Thank you for the kindness and support. 

Klinker presents Sagamore of the Wabash Award to David M. Stevenson

On Sunday (Nov. 2), State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) presented the Sagamore of the Wabash Award to longtime Lafayette resident, David M. Stevenson. Stevenson is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in Guam during the Korean War. He and his late wife, Connie, are well-known for starting three broadcasting stations and for their service to the community. Originating in the 1940s, the Sagamore of the Wabash Award is the highest honor a Hoosier can receive from the governor of Indiana. 

Rep. Klinker released the following congratulatory statement: 

“It was my pleasure to present David Stevenson with a Sagamore of the Wabash award. David has been a force of positive reinforcement in the Tippecanoe County area. He and his late wife ministered at local churches, fundraised for veterans and started the Triangle Foundation to support non-profit humanitarian projects abroad. Along with the good he did with his wife, he’s a veteran who served two years in the Air Force during the Korean War. It was an honor to recognize David with a Sagamore for his profound commitment to our community. 

“Anyone in our community who’s had the opportunity to speak with him knows the interesting life he’s led. He traveled the country in an Airstream RV with his wife, photographed rockets for NASA, sang in Russia and traveled to 26 countries. Like David, I believe that living a life full of service is a great use of our time on God’s Earth. I thank Mr. Stevenson and the late Connie Stevenson for their contributions to the public and the impact they've made on Lafayette.”

Klinker echoes concerns of teachers, encourages public comment on second draft diploma proposal

On Wednesday (Oct.9), the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) officially published its second draft proposal in its effort to redesign Indiana’s high school diplomas. The credits in the base diploma, the six optional “readiness seals,” and the work-based learning requirements are unchanged. However, the lengthy document fails to provide insight into the implementation and vague wording of the new requirements.  

State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) released the following statement regarding the public comment period: 

“As a member of the Education Committee, teachers from across the state have contacted me about the IDOE’s diploma redesign. Many people attended my recent town hall where we discussed the updated base diploma and the optional seals for enrollment, employment and enlistment. Our educators were encouraged to see an improved balance between academic rigor and work-based learning in the second draft.

“Even though the second draft is an improvement, I am still concerned about the impact these changes will have on our schools. Our teachers are choosing to leave the profession due to burnout, a lack of support and unrealistic expectations. Each year, Hoosier teachers adjust to new curricula, and then we change it again right when they finally get adjusted. Our state is experiencing a teacher and counselor shortage that will make it difficult to implement these diploma changes. 

“Our students should always be our top priority, but we must consider how our actions at the legislature impact our educators and administrators. I encourage our teachers, students, administrators and any concerned citizens to submit their feedback to the IDOE.” 

The Indiana Department of Education is accepting feedback on the second draft diploma proposal until Friday, Nov. 8. All parents, students, educators and stakeholders are encouraged to share their concerns and can do so via the online form.

Klinker optimistic about diploma updates, thanks constituents for their involvement

Yesterday, Aug. 14, the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE) revealed the second draft proposal for Indiana's new high school diploma. 

Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) released the following statement regarding the new draft proposals: 

“Many of our folks from Tippecanoe County shared their concerns about the shortcomings of the new, proposed high school diplomas. I would like to thank my community for submitting feedback, and I appreciate my constituents for taking the time to attend meetings and town halls. Many who testified were retirees who wanted our youth to have the best education possible. 

“It wasn’t that long ago when a well-rounded education was considered a life-changing gift, especially for young women. I know many women who would have pursued history, geography or economics but were encouraged to pursue ‘pink-collar jobs.' As a state, It’s paramount we remember the gift of a well-rounded education and foster academic excellence. 

“As one of the four Democratic representatives on the House Education Committee, I’m pleased to see the elimination of the GPS diploma proposals. This is a step towards providing everyone with robust educational opportunities including vocational training and apprenticeships. 

“I’m thankful the Department of Education has responded to our concerns. I appreciate the public comment period and their willingness to revise their proposals. I look forward to the continued development of the diplomas to ensure our students are well-equipped for the future and are able to apply and be accepted by our state universities. I’m pleased to see the progress, and I hope that once the final details of the second draft are released it will address all the public's concerns.” 

The latest diploma proposal is not yet available on the Indiana Register. IDOE and SBOE will open another public comment period with an online portal and public forum, expected this fall. The final rule on the new diploma must be adopted by December 31, 2024.