Positive Developments in Indiana

Indiana’s House Republicans presented their budget draft to the House Ways and Means Committee this week and there were several changes that earned praise from Agudath Israel. The House proposal raised the annual cap on Indiana’s scholarship tax credit program from $9.5 million (which was met within the first six months of this year) to $12.5 million. It also allows private schools to apply for Indiana’s Secured Schools Safety Grant Program which currently is only open to traditional public and charter schools. The program provides matching grants of up to $50,000 for school resource officers, threat assessments, and to purchase certain security equipment.

The previous week, the House passed House Bill 1004 which aside from expanding pre-k grants, also allows eligible recipients of the pre-k grant to qualify for a voucher in kindergarten.