Klinker votes no on state budget, worries for the future of public schools

Today, April 25, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) voted against the budget due to insufficient funding for K-12 public education, the elimination of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the expansion of the voucher program and the cut in funding for local public health initiatives. Klinker supports portions of the budget, including cutting funding for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) by roughly 30% and adding additional oversight for the Secretary of State. 

“I’m deeply concerned for our public schools and the inadequate funding they will receive from the budget,” Klinker said. “Our schools in Tippecanoe County will receive a minimal increase, but it’s well below their needs. Even with this small increase, our schools will still lose millions in property tax revenue. As a former educator, I know what our teachers are doing to make ends meet. I used to buy my students pencils, crayons, notebooks and other supplies with my paycheck. 

“Public schools will receive little, but private school vouchers will increase by 23.4% in 2027. I understand the desire to attend a private school due to religious beliefs that families value deeply. However, our state must provide for our public schools that rely solely on state dollars.

“While I did not vote for this budget, I do support several of the initiatives to increase oversight and transparency that will benefit the Tippecanoe County community.”