The revelation that state lawmakers have nearly $2 billion more to spend in the next two-year budget cycle than originally expected was quickly followed by many suggestions on how that money should be spent: infrastructure, trails, public broadcasting, preschool and more.
No calls, though, are probably louder than those coming from the state’s public education sector. With the eye-popping influx of cash fueled by a faster than expected economic recovery, pressure is mounting on lawmakers to funnel more dollars into the state’s K-12 schools and make good on recommendations from a state commission to increase teacher pay.
The Indiana State Teachers Association called on lawmakers to make good on promises to address lagging teacher pay. A report commissioned by Gov. Eric Holcomb estimated it would cost around $600 million to catch Indiana up to neighboring states and make compensation competitive.
Strong fiscal forecast means Indiana teachers could see pay increase
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Better Indiana outlook brings calls for bigger schools boost
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