Friday, April 23, 2021
This week, the Indiana General Assembly passed the 2022-2023 state budget, which includes a massive $1.9 billion increase in K-12 education over the biennium.
This historic budget is a win for students, teachers and families alike, with additional funding going toward tuition support, teacher pay and school choice opportunities.
Hoosier schools will see an increase of over $1 billion in tuition support for students, a $196 million increase in special education funding, a $5 million increase for non-English speaking learners and $150 million to address learning loss due to the pandemic to ensure our students are set up for success in the coming years.
Additionally, following recommendations from the Next Level Teacher Compensation Commission report, this increase will fund the $600 million down payment needed to improve teacher pay across the state. Schools will also be strongly encouraged to have a minimum teacher salary of $40,000 per year and will be required to spend 45% of state tuition support on teachers' salaries.
Lastly, more families will be able to exercise school choice through expanded eligibility for the Choice Scholarship voucher program. The state has also developed an Education Scholarship Account program for special-needs students so families of special needs children can tailor their child's education to their unique needs.
By directing such a large portion of our state budget toward our students and teachers, Senate Republicans are investing in the future of our state in an unprecedented way, and the effects of these decisions will be felt for years to come.
To learn more about the 2022-2023 state budget, click here.
