Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, February 17, 2015
(STATEHOUSE) - House Republicans have unveiled a budget plan which more than doubles Governor Pence’s proposed funding increase for schools.
Pence had proposed an additional 200-million dollars for schools, with some of that earmarked for charters.
Ways and Means Chairman Tim Brown's (R-Crawfordsville) plan increases funding by 470-million, with charters allowed to apply for up to 40-million more for construction, transportation or equipment needs.
Pence's proposal would increase school funding three-percent over the two-year budget. Brown's budget calls for a nearly five-percent increase, with most of the difference in the second year.
Brown says the budget would also complete a five-year transition to linking funding directly to enrollment. Schools with declining enrollment have had the potential funding loss cushioned by a formula which continued to give them partial credit for lost students.
Brown's budget also takes a multiplier for at-risk students out of the school funding formula. Schools would instead receive a flat bonus grant for students in the federal free lunch program.
The Ways and Means Committee plans to vote on the plan Wednesday, with the full House voting next week.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.