By State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette)
As families get ready for their students to return to school this fall, I would like to inform parents of a new opportunity in Indiana to make K-12 education more affordable across the state.
For more than 25 years, I have worked to eliminate curriculum fees, like textbook and technology fees, in Indiana's public school classrooms.
During his State of the State Address in January, Gov. Eric Holcomb talked about one parent in Indiana paying about $630 in curriculum fees for her four children. Costs this high were common for parents across the state.
With the passage of the new state budget earlier this year, Indiana became one of more than 40 states in the country to fund the cost of curriculum materials for its students, with an allocation of $160 million to cover these expenses.
As the costs of necessities continue to rise, I believe this new benefit will help ensure students and families across Indiana are prepared for another school year.
This funding covers not only textbooks, but also the costs for tablets and laptops a school may require students to use for educational purposes.
As this legislation made its way through the Indiana General Assembly this session, I often thought about the late Jean Fee, a well-known Lafayette community member who promoted the importance of a quality education and often asked me for updates from the Statehouse on ending textbook fees for Hoosier students.
I believe Jean would be happy to know that we finally funded the cost of textbook and other curriculum fees so Hoosier students are best prepared for a year of learning.
As a father, and grandfather, I know parents want what's best for their children. I believe funding curriculum materials is vital, so Hoosier students are ready for their future.
Anyone wishing to contact my office with your questions or concerns is encouraged to do so by email at s22@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) represents Senate District 22,
which includes Carroll County and portions of Tippecanoe County .
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
