Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
INDIANAPOLIS - The State Senate and House Republican Caucus held a media day Wednesday with about 20 journalists attending the event.
Following a meeting with caucus members from both houses, the media group was escorted by communications staff to the public galley overlooking the House floor.
Past the 100-light chandelier is the Eugene Savage mural "The Spirit of Indiana," overlooking the proceedings.
The 3A girls state basketball champions, the Lady Hornets from Beech Grove, were honored, along with teammate Katie Gearlds, Indiana's 2003 Miss Basketball.
The resolution honoring the team was unanimous, indicated by green "aye" votes lighting up the ballot board.
Rep. David Wolkins (R-Winona Lake) was the first legislator to offer an amendment to the House yesterday.
The Senate sent 194 bills to the House this session and the House forwarded 320 to the Senate.
Wolkins' proposed amendment to SB501 - Charter Schools, was an effort to "let the money follow the child," the representative said.
"I propose a cap of $6,200 per student. My district receives $4,800 per student while others receive as much as $7,400 per student," he said.
Sen. Bill Crawford (D - Indianapolis) chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, immediately approached the microphone, urging lawmakers to oppose Wolkin's measure.
Even House Republican Leader Brian Bosma (R- Indianapolis) declared his opposition to the amendment.
Indianapolis schools receive the lion's share of school funding
"It was my worst defeat on the floor in 16 years," Wolkins said of the resounding 77-18 vote against his addition. His bill was a response to Warsaw Community Schools' need for increased funding.
There is a large variance in per-pupil funding throughout Indiana with a high of $7,400 per student and a low of $4,200. The state average for 2003 was about $5,700 per pupil, with WCS averaging $4,800.
Two of Indiana's largest school corporations have lost more than 6,500 students in the last five years (more than a 10 percent loss), and they received more than $50 million in additional funds, a 15 percent increase.
The General Assembly funds school districts on the basis of a "minimum guarantee." Every two years each district receives a guaranteed increase.
Senate amendments to HB 1001 - the state's biennial budget -Êchanges how money is distributed to the school districts, with a minimum of $4,500 for each child with additional funds, depending upon that child's circumstances.
