I’m thrilled that my children’s public schools have decided to close on the 19th to allow their teachers to make their voices heard at the statehouse. I understand that when schools close unexpectedly, it places a burden on parents who may not have back-up childcare plans. But protecting our schools and our teachers is essential to the future of our children and our communities.

Our public schools are critical to the future of this country and our children. Our teachers are not merely educators but also counselors, mentors, coaches, advocates, and friends who dedicate their lives to caring for our children’s intellectual, emotional, and physical wellbeing. They are tremendous public servants doing vital work, and they deserve fair wages and respect. And our kids deserve to have appropriate resources in the classroom and settings conducive to growth.

The Indiana legislature is sitting on a $2 billion surplus, while our teachers are working multiple jobs to make ends meet, and there are too few teachers for our classrooms. Indiana ranks last in the country in terms of teacher salary growth and has declined by 8% compared to other Indiana professionals from 2012 - 2017.

This week we advocate for our Indiana teachers, but this is not just an Indiana problem. As your Congresswoman, I pledge to be an advocate for teachers and public schools in Indiana and across the nation.

#RedForEd #EllenForIN2

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