Indiana Governor Proposes 6% Boost to Schools Next Year – WOWO 1190 AM

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana schools will see a 6% increase in funding next year under a state spending plan announced by Gov. Eric Holcomb on Wednesday.

Republican Governor’s Plan Gives K-12 Schools Biggest Funding Increase in Over a Decade Amid concerns about the expected slowdown To increase state tax collection. Additional funding is targeted to raise average teacher salaries statewide from about $3,000 to at least $60,000 annually.

Holcomb’s proposal would allow a Republican-dominated Congress to Start 2023 session Its main task is the adoption of a new biennial state budget.

The governor’s proposal also includes eliminating textbook fees for public school students by directing $160 million to local schools to help cover their costs. It’s one of the few states that still allows it, and Democrats and many education advocates have long criticized the cost of textbooks as an unfair extra expense for families.

Other spending proposals include $300 million over the next two years to strengthen local public health programs. The state currently directs approximately $7 million annually to county health departments, primarily through local taxes.