Statehouse — Governor Eric Holcomb called for education and public health funding during his State of the State Address Tuesday night before a joint session of the Indiana legislature.
In the speech, the Governor requested hundreds of millions of dollars to be spent on mental health and addiction issues.
He also asked for support for a $ 1.1 billion increase in funds for K-12 schools and educators.
Holcomb wants to eliminate textbook fees in public schools by directing an additional $120 million to expand the program that covers those fees for low-income families.
The Governor is also requesting another $500 million for a second round of READI funds.
That program has funded projects throughout Southeastern Indiana and all over the state.
The video and full text of Governor Holcomb’s seventh State of the State address can be found here.
Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) responded to the speech by saying the Governor correctly addressed issues impacting residents and the state, but fell short of conveying the full extent of Indiana’s problems.
Taylor says Indiana is not competing with other states when it comes to K-12 per-student spending, high healthcare costs, and post-secondary opportunities.
The full text of Senator Taylor’s response can be found here.
