INDIANAPOLIS – On Wednesday, State Senator J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis) wore black to stand with Indiana education professionals calling on the legislature to fund schools. “BlackOut4Ed” raised awareness for the policy agenda hurting Indiana teachers. This year, the week of February 22nd to 26th is Public Education Week in Indiana.

“I am proud to use my position as the ranking minority member on the Senate’s Education Committee to fight for our public schools,” Sen. Ford said.

90 percent of Indiana students go to public school, but 90 percent of the funding does not go to public education.

“Now, you will hear my colleagues say that this is the most money we’ve ever given to education, which is true; however, the money then flows away from public schools,” Sen. Ford stated. “My colleagues and I on the Education committee will be ready to point out that we don’t need an expansion of vouchers; rather, we need to fully fund our public schools, especially after they’ve been hit hard during this pandemic.”

Sen. Ford also emphasized the importance of continuing the effort to get teachers vaccinated and urged constituents to contact their legislators if they want to support Indiana public schools.

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