STATEHOUSE (Feb. 17, 2021) — A bill authored by State Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington) that would allow Indiana schools to claim federal Medicaid reimbursements for providing Individualized Education Program (IEP) services and special education services recently passed the Indiana Senate by an unanimous vote.
The Teacher Compensation Commission released a report detailing 37 recommendations on how to reach the $600 million dollars needed to raise the average Hoosier teacher's salary to over $60,000. Senate Bill 51 could free up $100-$200 million in funds for schools to use toward teacher pay.
"The passage of Senate Bill 51 makes clear that finding sustainable solutions for increasing teacher pay is a priority for Indiana legislators," Zay said. "I have been championing this legislation for years, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House as this bill continues through the legislative process."
Indiana's neighboring states currently bring in $100-$150 million more than Indiana in Medicaid reimbursement funds. SB 51 would help Indiana capture these Medicaid reimbursements at a rate closer to that of nearby states.
To learn more about SB 51, click here.
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For a high-resolution photo of Zay, click here.
