Sen. Deery Offers Updates And Insights

By: Spencer Deery

Covington Resident Named 2023 Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest Winner

Covington resident Kerri Burke was recently recognized by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture as a winner of the 2023 Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest.

Kerri’s photo, “Flossie the Dairy Cow,” was selected as a winner in the “On the Farm” category.

Other categories include “Agritourism,” “Conservation” and “Faces of Agriculture.”

Two winners are named in each category, alongside two overall winners.

The awards were presented during the first week of this year’s Indiana State Fair, which continues through Aug. 20.

Congratulations to Kerri on this wonderful achievement.

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Investing in Hoosier Students

Hoosier students will have access to more educational opportunities to help them achieve success thanks to the following measures we passed during the 2023 legislative session.

47% of the state’s General Fund is allocated to K-12 initiatives including eliminating textbook and technology fees, expanding eligibility for the Indiana’s Choice Scholarship Program and increasing funding for school safety.

Eligibility for the On My Way Pre-K program now includes low-income families who live within 150% of the federal poverty level.

A new law established the Science of Reading grant fund to help Indiana school corporations deploy literacy coaches and implement Science of Reading curriculum in elementary classrooms.

All eligible students are now automatically enrolled in the 21st Century Scholars program during their seventh- and eighth-grade years of school.

All students who graduate in 2028 or later and attend Indiana public schools, charter schools or state-accredited nonpublic schools must pass a financial literacy course.

A new law expands eligibility for the Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarship. 

Educating and supporting our future leaders is critical to Indiana’s long-term success, which is why expanding educational opportunities for students remains one of my top priorities.

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Senate District 23 INDOT Update

The Indiana Department of Transportation recently announced improvements to the State Road 63 and State Road 234 intersection near Cayuga starting as early as Monday, Aug. 14.

Northbound and southbound lanes along State Road 63 near the intersection will be restricted, as well as passing lanes.

These restrictions are expected to be in place through the end of November.

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On My Way Pre-K Enrollment Still Open

Enrollment for the On My Way Pre-K program is still open for the 2023-24 school year.

The program helps eligible four-year-old children from low-income families (now at 150% of the federal poverty level) learn early reading, math and science curriculum integral to their K-12 academic success through instructional hours, lessons, activities and books.

Families are partnered with a personal care representative who monitors each child’s progress and provides access to live help over the phone or email six days a week.

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Remain Aware of School Buses

With many schools back in session, school buses are on the road again. We all need to remain aware and cautious of school buses when we are driving.

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Enrollment Open for ESA Scholarship

The Indiana General Assembly created the Indiana Education Scholarship Account (ESA) Program so Indiana students with disabilities can have access to the educational environment that best meets their learning needs.

Enrollment is open through Sept. 1.