There Goes Another Vote
Indiana House Democrats may find themselves short on votes to pass a state budget. In today’s Washington Herald Times, State Representative David Crooks says he will not vote for the current budget because it short changes small schools in his district.
“The Senate version does not include reduced lunches in the formula,” Crooks said. “The House version includes both free and reduced lunches. But that’s still not enough.” According to Crooks, the formula to figure school payments was set two years ago by a Republican-controlled Legislature. “What they said was a kid in Carmel schools is worth more than one in a small school district,” Crooks said. Crooks said he plans to vote against the budget even if it means trouble from his own party, which currently controls the House. “If you don’t take advantage of your position and flex some muscle now, when do you?” the long-time legislator said. “I and some other members of my party are telling them we’re not happy with what they’ve crafted.”
This makes two headaches for House Speaker Pat Bauer. State Rep. Craig Fry has reportedly said he won’t vote for the budget unless it includes more money for schools in his district in Northern Indiana. It takes 51 votes to pass a budget and the current House make up is 51-49, Democrats.
