Moseley votes against budget, raises concerns about education cuts
Today, April 25, the Indiana General Assembly approved the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the state’s next two-year budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) voted against the bill, raising concerns about its impact on public education funding.
“An estimated average 2% increase for public schools in Indiana simply doesn’t meet the needs of today’s classrooms, especially when many schools are also losing local income tax revenue,” Moseley said. “This budget gives with one hand and takes with the other. While funding for curricular materials remains, overall support continues to fall behind the real cost of educating our kids.”
While schools in our district will be scarcely funded for now, it doesn’t ensure financial stability for our community’s future.
Specifically, HB 1001:
Increases Indiana traditional public school funding by only 3.3% in 2026 and 1.6% in 2027, while brick-and-mortar charters receive a 4.8% increase in 2026 and a 3.7% increase in 2027. Traditional public schools will have limited state funding growth while losing $744 million in property tax revenue because of Senate Enrolled Act 1.
Pauses the expansion of the private school voucher program for only one year, then implements universal vouchers in 2027. Vouchers will increase by 10.1% in 2026 and 23.4% in 2027.
Decreases the eligibility level for On My Way Pre-K from 150% of the federal poverty level to 135% of the federal poverty level. Fewer working families will be eligible to qualify for pre-K.
Reduces the funding for the Health First Indiana program to $80 million, a $145 million cut from the 2023 biennial budget.
“This budget shortchanges public education,” Moseley said. “Indiana’s students deserve bold investment, not the bare minimum. This budget does not establish a fair and balanced system for our students - it runs the risk of leaving too many kids behind."