Local State Reps Support Bill To Fully Fund All K-12 Public School Students

Cindy Ziemke and Randy Lyness were among the State Reps that helped pass the bill through the House.

Indiana Statehouse. Shutterstock photo.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Local State Representatives are voicing their support for a bill that would fully fund all K-12 public school students for the 2020-21 school year.

On Tuesday, House Bill 1003 passed through the Indiana House of Representatives.

The legislation aims to fully fund all K-12 public school students for the current school year, regardless of whether students attended classes in-person or virtually due to COVID-19.

The pandemic caused many traditional public schools to shift from in-person classes to remote learning. Under current law, schools receive 85 percent of tuition support per virtual student, which is defined as a child learning 50 percent or more of their instruction online.

Unless the new legislation is passed into law, many schools will qualify for a lower funding amount because of moving classes online.

State Rep. Cindy Ziemke (R-Batesville) voted in support of House Bill 1003. She released the following statement:

"We moved quickly to make sure our schools are fully funded this year," Ziemke said. "Indiana continues to invest in education, and this funding will allow schools to focus on doing what's best for students while managing through this pandemic."

State Rep. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) also supported the legislation, saying school funding is a top priority this session.

"Fully funding our schools is a top priority this session, and we are committed to fast tracking this legislation so it hits the governor's desk quickly and becomes law," Lyness said. "It's important that schools have the funding they need to continue providing resources and a quality education to young Hoosiers."

House Bill 1003 now heads to the Senate for consideration.