HEA 1002 expands options for charter schools by allowing them more access to charter school sponsors and will provide more opportunities for charters to innovate. The bill removes many of the obstacles that have prohibited charter school expansion in past years. The legislation was authored by House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) and co-authored by State Reps. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis), Mary Ann Sullivan (D-Indianapolis) and Cindy Noe (R-Indianapolis). HEA 1003 provides scholarships to low-income families, who do not have the financial means, to help pay the cost of tuition and fees at a public or private elementary school or high school that charges tuition. To be eligible, students would have to be between the ages of 5 and 18 and be enrolled in a public school for the two previous semesters. The bill also establishes a tax deduction for individual taxpayers who make expenditures for enrollment of a dependent child in a private school or to home school a dependent child. The legislation was authored by Rep. Behning and co-authored by Speaker Bosma. State Rep. Rhonda Rhoads (R-Corydon), Vice-Chair of the House Education Committee, was present for today's ceremony and commented on the governor signing both education reform acts. "These acts are something we debated all session, and rightly so because they will greatly affect our state," said Rep. Rhoads. "We need to provide every possible educational opportunity to our students in order to cater to their individual needs-with this legislation, we accomplished that. "If a student is in a system that is failing them, for whatever reason, why should their parents be forced to keep their child in that school just because of their home address or income? They shouldn't. "We worked hard this session to pass meaningful education reform. We took a big step in the right direction and I am looking forward to seeing the benefits, but also how we will continue our efforts next session." "Indiana has now given families more opportunities to choose the educational path that best works for their child," said Rep. Behning, Chairman of the House Education Committee. "I am pleased that the governor has signed these bills into law and proud that Indiana is a leader in the education reform movement. Hoosier students will reap the benefits of this legislation for generations to come." -30-
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