INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ Statehouse Republicans are rejecting a call from Democrats that Indiana's state budget include specific breakdowns for how much money is going to traditional public schools, charter schools and the private school voucher program.
Democratic lawmakers say it is a matter of transparency at a time when Republican Gov. Mike Pence is proposing increases in state funding for charter schools and vouchers that could reach nearly $50 million over the next two years.
Democratic Rep. Terry Goodin of Austin says lumping all money for school programs together leaves people confused and unable to easily know how the state money is being spent.
Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma says separating the funding amounts was simply a way to make it easier to seek cuts to charter school or vouchers.
