The bill changes the name of Indiana's educational technology fund to the Senator David C. Ford educational technology fund. Sen. Ford (R-Hartford City) passed away last year after serving in the Indiana Senate since 1994. "Senator Ford was one of the most respected legislators I have had the pleasure of working with," said Rep. Davis. "He was an honest, sincere and caring legislator, and I consider it a privilege to be here to honor him." Sen. Ford served on the Senate's Education and Career Development Committee, as well as the Judiciary and Tax and Fiscal Policy Committees. In 2004, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce named Sen. Ford the Government Leader of the Year. He also received two Sagamore of the Wabash awards from Govs. Otis Bowen and Mitch Daniels. Sen. Ford is survived by his wife, Joyce, who sat beside Gov. Daniels as he signed Senate Enrolled Act 27. SEA 27 renames the fund that provides technology equipment for K-12 classrooms. Kindergarten and first grade classrooms can use the fund to purchase technology to help students learn reading, writing and arithmetic. Classrooms through third grade may use funds to offer remediation via technology to students whose grades lag behind expectations for their grade level. "Sen. Ford was an expert in the fields of technology and economic development, so it is ideal that he would be a part of a fund that would pay for educational technology for students to better their education and their future," Rep. Davis said. "He was also known for his innovative ideas and dedication not only to making his community better, but also to making the state of Indiana a better place to live. My thoughts and prayers still go out to the Ford family for their loss." SEA 27 becomes effective July 1, 2009. To view all of the bills that have made their way to the desk of Gov. Mitch Daniels, visit www.in.gov/gov/billwatch.htm. -30- Contact Rep. Davis by e-mail at h33@in.gov, by phone at 1-800-382-9841 or by writing him at the Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. Those interested in receiving Rep. Davis' weekly e-newsletter may sign up at www.in.gov/h33. |
