Families across Indiana lack access to child care. Several bills were introduced this legislative session that aim to make child care more affordable and widespread. Yet all seven bills failed to advance in the Statehouse despite broad support from employer and welfare groups as well as lawmakers of both parties.
Senate Bill 486 would let school administrators choose not to discuss decisions about working conditions with their teachers’ union representatives. After more than an hour of debate, the bill narrowly passed 28-20. The Senate requires a minimum of 26 votes to pass a bill.
A bill in the Indiana Senate would significantly expand a state law that requires school districts to make their empty buildings available to charter schools.
Indiana senators are considering a bill that would require districts to identify underused school buildings and make them available to charters for $1, or risk losing state funding.
Some teachers and unions argue part of Senate Bill 486 would further erode teachers collective bargaining rights. The bill s supporters say it s a "deregulation bill" that will empower Indiana administrators and educators.