Porter calls on Braun administration to return $98 million to Indiana’s public schools

Today, House Ways and Means Ranking Democrat State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) is calling on the State Board of Finance to return $98 million, which was reverted to the General Fund from K-12 tuition support for Indiana’s public schools. Porter’s request is two-fold: that the Board add a supplemental tuition distribution to its August meeting agenda and distribute the funding as an additional foundation grant of approximately $100 per student.  

“Children are our future, a future Indiana’s not properly funding,” Porter said. “The administration took these dollars while a record number of schools hold referendums. Teachers are being laid off or leaving the profession as Indiana hits $4 billion in savings. 

“Our public schools are fighting to stay afloat. They shouldn’t have to wait for the next budget to get relief. The Board has the authority to give that money back to our kids. It’s just a matter of will. I look forward to the Board’s August meeting.”