ANDERSON, Ind. —
Democratic lawmakers from Madison County on Wednesday laid out education proposals they say would raise money for schools, put more students on track for college and reduce bullying.
State Sen. Tim Lanane of Anderson and Reps. Terri Austin of Anderson and Scott Reske of Pendleton outlined the proposals they will push in the 2011 session of the Indiana General Assembly. They were at Anderson High School on Wednesday, the second day of campaign stops around the county to discuss the proposals.
Atop the list is a proposal to give tax breaks to people and corporations that make donations to public school systems and the foundations that support them. Lanane said such a law would benefit school systems such as Anderson, Elwood and South Madison that have been operating with deficits due to shortfalls in state funding.
“Funding for this initiative can come from the state’s unclaimed property funds that currently go to the state’s general fund for operations,” Lanane said. He said the credit is now available for donations to colleges, though the credit is lower. “We think it ought to be amended to include public schools and foundations.”
Austin said the lawmakers also are proposing “Project Jump Start,” which would expand dual-credit courses offered to high school juniors and seniors through state colleges and reduce their costs, which average about $300 to $400 plus books and materials.
“It helps kids still in high school find out what level of college work they need to be ready for,” Austin said. The proposal also would make requirements for academic honors diplomas accessible.
“It’s unfair to working families and students to deny them the opportunity to earn this distinguished recognition simply because they are unable to afford the cost,” according to the legislators’ statement.
Reske said one in three junior high and high school students report being a victim of bullying, prompting a proposal to increase reporting of such incidents to the Department of Education. “It sends a message that we all need to be serious about it,” Reske said.
The lawmakers face election challenges in the fall.
Lanane is opposed by Republican Brian S. Jacobs. Austin faces a challenge from Republican Kim Builta and Libertarian Greg Noland. Reske will run against Republican Kyle J. Hupfer and Libertarian Robert Jozwiak.
Contact Dave Stafford: 648-4250, dave.stafford@heraldbulletin.com
State News
Democratic lawmakers pitch education initiatives
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