Bills that passed, failed in this year’s General Assembly
A look at some major legislation considered this year by the Indiana General Assembly.
School Vouchers
Articles
Nation’s broadest voucher plan passes final hurdle
The Indiana House voted 55-43 to give final approval to a bill creating the controversial voucher program. It would allow even middle-class families to use taxpayer money to send their children to private schools.
Senate OKs most expansive voucher plan in nation
The Republican-ruled Senate voted 28-22 Thursday to advance the bill, which is the most contentious part of Gov. Mitch Daniels’ extensive education reform agenda.
Bill on teacher union rights heads to governor
A bill to restrict Indiana teachers' collective bargaining rights has cleared its final legislative hurdle, becoming the first part of Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels' sweeping education agenda to make it to the governor's desk.
Indiana panels OK teacher merit pay, voucher bills
Two pieces of Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels' sweeping education plan, a voucher plan that would direct taxpayer money to private schools and a merit pay bill that links teacher pay to student performance, cleared key legislative hurdles Wednesday.
School voucher proposal approved by House
The GOP-led House voted 56-42 on Wednesday in favor of the bill that would use taxpayer money to help some parents move their children from public schools to private schools.
Advocates: Indiana can lead U.S. in schools overhaul
Education advocates told hundreds of cheering supporters at a Statehouse rally Wednesday that Indiana could lead the nation in overhauling schools.
State GOP pushing expansive voucher program
Indiana's Republican leadership is pushing ahead with a proposal that would be the nation's broadest use of school vouchers, allowing even middle-class families to use taxpayer money to send their kids to private schools.
Indiana schools chief says education changes needed
State-funded vouchers for private schools and a shift of money to charter schools are necessary steps in the effort to improve Indiana's education system, the state schools superintendent said Tuesday.
Indiana private-school voucher bill faces changes
To win solid support for the bill from his own caucus, House Speaker Brian Bosma said Republicans are considering limiting the number of students who could receive vouchers and may further restrict qualifying income levels.
Indiana panel backs private school voucher bill
A contentious proposal to use taxpayer money to help Indiana parents send their children to private schools cleared its first legislative hurdle Wednesday.
GOP-led panel tweaks Daniels’ school voucher bill
Fewer families would qualify for private school vouchers under changes Republican lawmakers have made to Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels' controversial proposal.
Bill would send taxpayer cash to private schools
Indiana lawmakers will start the debate Tuesday on the most controversial plank of Gov. Mitch Daniels' sweeping education platform: a plan to use taxpayer money to help parents send their children to private schools
Indiana teachers to rally at Statehouse
Indiana teachers are planning a rally at the Statehouse to support public education and denounce proposals backed by Republicans who control the House and Senate.
Advocates say most Hoosiers want school changes
Advocates met at the Statehouse Monday to push education proposals that have renewed life during this legislative session because of support from Gov. Mitch Daniels and leaders in the GOP-controlled House and Senate.
Push for sweeping school changes picking up steam
Leaders of a school choice group and the Indiana Public Charter Schools Association are slated to be at the Statehouse Monday to talk about public support for proposals such as vouchers that would use taxpayer money to help send children to private schools.
Schools chief, union head recruit mentors for children
State school superintendent Tony Bennett, a Republican, and the leader of Indiana's largest teachers union made a rare joint appearance Tuesday to promote a mentoring program.
Redistricting, education issues also on docket for General Assembly
Legislature will consider redistricting along with controversial education issues.
Governor’s education agenda includes vouchers
Gov. Mitch Daniels and State Superintendent Tony Bennett pitched their ideas Wednesday to Indiana’s Education Roundtable, a group of education and business leaders.
GOP control brings new life to education issues
Election night victories for Indiana Republicans have paved the way for a major education overhaul that could affect thousands of students, teachers and parents and fundamentally change the way schools work in Indiana.