Courtesy-Bartholomew.in.gov
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The state of Indiana recently awarded almost $2 million in matching grants for Bartholomew County road and bridge improvements.
“Indiana is in a strong financial position where we can continue investing in essential, local infrastructure projects,” said State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus). “This grant program helps us maintain safe and functional roads and bridges in our communities, and live up to our motto as the Crossroads of America.”
Through the Community Crossings Marching Grant program, 218 Hoosier cities, towns, and counties received a combined total of over $100 million. This program was established in 2016 and expanded in 2017. The Indiana Department of Transportation oversees and distributes these grants twice each year.
Courtesy-CAAC FB page
COLUMBUS, Ind. – State Rep. Ryan Lauer and State Sen. Greg Walker fielded questions at Monday morning’s Third House session, presented by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. Most queries were about education.
With regard to an income threshold on school vouchers, Walker said, that while he’s a strong proponent of choice who homeschooled four children, he sees the law of diminishing returns at work such that making funds available to a wider swath of families does not “necessarily create better outcomes.”
With regard to the possibility of fraud in the Education Savings Account program, Lauer said vetting the treasurer’s office prevents that as an issue, saying, “Facts about ESAs in other states don’t bear that out.”
Courtesy-in.gov
COLUMBUS, Ind. – In a special Saturday morning Third House session, State Rep. Ryan Lauer and State Sen. Greg Walker addressed several topics related to education. The discussion was moderated by Alan Birkemeier of the Columbus Educators Association and Lynne Fleming of the Bartholomew County Retired Teachers Association.
Regarding school-choice bills, HB1005 and SB413, Walker said the Senate version has tighter language. Lauer noted that while the bills expand choice, the state budget still includes $600 million in new funding for public schools.
With regard to the possible cutting of training funds for career paths other than STEM (cosmetology and nutrition), both legislators expressed support for keeping current funding for those programs.
Courtesy-Cols. Educators Assoc. FB page
COLUMBUS,
Ind. – The Columbus Educators Association (CEA) and Bartholomew County Retired Teachers Association invite the public to a virtual Third House meeting this Saturday, February 27, at 9 a.m. The event features Rep. Ryan Lauer and Sen. Greg Walker and will focus specifically on education-related legislation.
Legislators will answer questions and share information about education-focused bills in the statehouse. Following a discussion of legislation, moderators will read questions that have been submitted by viewers for legislators. The event is expected to last one hour.
“We are grateful that Rep. Lauer and Sen. Walker made time in their busy schedules to talk specifically about education legislation with their community,” said CEA President Amy London. “Our members can’t attend the chamber’s Third House meetings because they take place during our regular school day.”