Smith opposes state budget, Gary gets the scraps

Today, April 25, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) opposed the budget due to insufficient funding for K-12 public education, prioritizing funding for private school vouchers and cuts in funding for local public health initiatives. 

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) released the following statement:

“I fail to see how this budget invests in our communities and our families. Our schools will have just enough to stay afloat, but they won’t have the funding they need to thrive. Like always with the state legislature, Gary will get little. 

“The funding for urban schools in this budget is insufficient. It puts Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC) in a difficult position. The state takeover of our school board due to financial distress just ended in 2024. GCSC has to stay in the black, and the state isn’t doing anything to help. This budget was done quickly, and it shows. GCSC gained 400 students this school year, but the budget is projecting we’ll lose them. If we continue to grow, we’ll still get the money, but this inaccurate prediction proves that this budget is hastily done and far from what our communities deserve.

“In 2027, private school vouchers will get a 23.4% increase and brick-and-mortar charter schools will get a 3.7% increase. Traditional public schools will only get a 1.6% increase. I understand the importance of students attending a school that best serves their needs. However, the various types of schools should be equitably funded, especially our public schools. 

“I’m also concerned with local public health receiving only $40 million each year, which will disproportionately impact those who live in poverty. Our community deserves to thrive, not just survive off of Indiana’s table scraps.”