STATEHOUSE — Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), announced the end of session, or Sine Die on Friday evening, closing out a year of priorities achieved. The House Republican agenda, which was released in October, centered on making Indiana a stronger state for future generations, by focusing on fiscal integrity, job growth, and enhanced education opportunities for every Hoosier. “We determined that two ways we could have the highest ability to improve life for the next generation: high paying job opportunities and an education that prepares young people for the realities of today’s workforce,” said Speaker Bosma. “I am proud to say that the work of the General Assembly has addressed these critical issues, and much more.” The House Republicans’ “Own Your American Dream” plan focuses on three key concepts: financial security, matching Hoosier workers with high paying jobs, and making education investments. Financial Security for Future Generations “Passing a balanced budget is important to providing financial security for future generations of Hoosiers,” said State Representative Dick Hamm (R-Richmond). “Our budget prioritizes funding for education and infrastructure, while protecting Hoosier taxpayers with the largest tax cut in state history and preserving our legacy of fiscal integrity.” Indiana is one of only nine states that has a AAA credit rating from all three credit agencies. Indiana holds a higher credit rating than the federal government, whose debt has now passed the $16 trillion mark for the first time in our nation’s history. That equates to more than $50,000 of debt for every man, woman and child in the U.S. Bridging the Skills Gap According to the Indiana Vision 2025 report published by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, more than 930,000 Hoosiers lack even the most basic skills to thrive in today’s economy. Designed to improve coordination, communication and vision for Indiana’s workforce training and career preparation systems, the Indiana Career Council (ICC) is a panel that will bring the principal stakeholders in the state’s workforce development efforts together to create a stronger plan to move Indiana forward. Members of the ICC will be charged with aligning the education skills and training provided by Indiana’s educational, job skills and career training systems with the existing and projected needs of the state’s job market. The legislation also puts into law a longitudinal data system to track the effectiveness of the state’s educational and workforce programs. Leaders in Classrooms; Leaders in Life “The private sector job growth rate in Indiana has significantly outpaced the national average for the past three years,” said Rep. Hamm. “By expanding education opportunities for Hoosier students, we will continue down this path of proven success.” Currently, there are nearly two and a half science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs for every one unemployed person in Indiana. Despite the economic downturn, these jobs have remained in demand, and will only increase as technology marches on. HEA 1001 creates a STEM Teacher Recruitment Fund and new stipend programs for teachers that are in high demand. In Indiana, 61 percent of children (ages 3-4) are not enrolled in a preschool program. Only six states have a higher percentage of children not attending a preschool. The budget creates a Pre-K Matching Program. School choice was also expanded for students with disabilities, special needs, and siblings. There is no longer a requirement for students in failing school districts. “We have worked together to address these issues instead of passing the problems on to future generations to handle,” said Speaker Bosma. “Through our commitment to fiscal integrity, quality jobs, and providing strong education opportunities to our children, the American Dream can be a reality for future generations of Hoosiers.” -30- |
