Yes, it’s true. The 2017 General Assembly is back in session. It is difficult to comprehend, but time marches on, and the lawmakers are now working on new legislation. I am especially honored that the voters have given me the opportunity to represent District 23 for two more years. It is a privilege to serve our community.
House Republicans announced our agenda last week, highlighting key issues we will be focusing on through April. First and foremost, we must pass a balanced and fair biennial budget. Second, there will be an intense discussion on providing long-term funding for the maintenance of our state’s highway system. Third, education will receive major attention on multiple levels, like it always should. Finally, we will address public safety with an eye toward tackling opioid and heroin abuse throughout our state. Of course, many other bills will be considered as well.
One of my main priorities this session will be adequately funding our small rural schools. Over the past several years, rural areas have been experiencing an exodus of young people seeking employment opportunities in larger, faster growing communities. The net result for rural schools is a continuing decline in average daily membership or total student body. The current school funding formula has the money follow the student, meaning student transfers and prolonged absences can have a major effect on funding for the school corporation. For example, Indiana schools on average receive approximately $6,500 per student. It doesn’t take too many losses of students for the corporation to see a serious decline in funding. This is a troublesome situation for rural schools to manage and, in some cases, is impossible to manage.
I am a huge proponent of our small rural schools. My personal goal is to reinstate the small schools grant program, so that superintendents have a fair opportunity to manage their small rural schools. My challenge will come from other, more urban legislators who say that the solution is more school consolidation. However, that is not always the best option. I have maintained that our struggle in rural areas is population loss due to a lack of economic opportunities, and our major enemies are time and distance. It is hard for legislators from urban areas to understand how time and distance affects our community. Their districts are compact and very densely populated. Our rural challenges are vastly different from our urban neighbors. For example, school busing costs per student are considerably more for rural districts. I vow to work on our funding problem for rural schools, as well as more rural economic development opportunities to create jobs in communities like ours.
Several people have asked about Buddy, our three-legged Golden Retriever. In fact, a man approached me and said, “Aren’t you the guy who writes about your three-legged dog?” He added, “I love hearing that kind of stuff, it makes you real.” Buddy is doing well, just getting older.
As I continue to represent you and your family, please provide your feedback by filling out your mailed legislative survey and returning it. You can also complete it online at www.in.gov/h23. I enjoy reading the many responses. Stay in touch. It’s your state government.
More later,
Bill
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Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
A high-resolution photo of Friend can be downloaded by clicking here.
