A bill co-authored by State Sen. Eric Bassler (R-Washington) that would fully fund students attending school virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic was concurred on by the Indiana Senate today by a vote of 44-4.
Senate Enrolled Act 2 would provide 100% of the state's per-student funding for students at brick-and-mortar public schools who have gone to virtual instruction for part or all of the 2020-2021 academic year, as long as those students weren't already learning virtually prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under current law, public schools receive 85% of the per-student state funding for any student who gets at least half of their education virtually.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers, parents and students have all gone above and beyond to ensure young Hoosiers are receiving a world-class education,” Bassler said. “SEA 2 would provide schools across Indiana with full funding for each student learning virtually due to the pandemic, keeping a promise we made in the fall.”
SEA 2 will now be sent to Gov. Holcomb for consideration.
