STATEHOUSE (Jan. 26, 2021) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted 93-2 today in support of State Rep. Hal Slager's (R-Schererville) legislation to fully fund all K-12 public school students for the 2020-21 school year, regardless of whether students attended classes in-person or virtually due to COVID-19.
Slager said the pandemic caused many traditional public schools to shift from in-person classes to remote learning. Under current law, schools receive 85% of tuition support per virtual student, which is defined as a child learning 50% or more of their instruction online. This means many schools would qualify for the lower funding amount because of moving classes online. Slager's legislation, which now advances to the Senate for consideration, would help mitigate requirements under current law and allow K-12 public schools to receive 100% funding for each student, whether they attended classes in-person or virtually.
"With overwhelming and bipartisan support, this legislation is advancing and is one step closer to becoming law," Slager said. "Funding our schools continues to be a top priority of mine, and I look forward to working with my Senate counterparts to get this across the finish line."
To learn more and watch legislative proceedings online, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes portions of Lake County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
