Indianapolis, IN — Gov. Eric Holcomb is asking lawmakers to increase state funding for K-12 education by more than $1 billion over the next two years.
Holcomb announced his proposals for the state’s next two-year budget at a news conference on Wednesday
The Governor is calling on lawmakers to approve a nearly $1.2 billion increase in tuition support for K-12 schools.
He wants to see Indiana’s average teacher pay increase from nearly $56,600 a year to $60,000 annually in the next two years.
Holcomb also wants to eliminate textbook and curriculum fees for all students in public and charter K-12 schools, and eligible students in non-public schools.
He says the state has “the financial wherewithal” to cover the cost of textbooks.
The governor also wants to see increased spending, including an eight-percent increase in funding for higher education over the next two years. and expanded eligibility for the On My Way Pre-K program to assist 5,000 more families.
The governor’s office will present the proposed spending plan to the State Budget Committee on Thursday.
Story by WRBI reporter Bill Remeika.
