Tell Five Friends, Make Two Calls

Time to go at it again! Just like last Wednesday, we are trying to “break the switchboard,” overwhelming the supermajority with people pressure at a critical spot. And this week we are asking you to call Senators Bray and Mishler (two calls). We are also asking you to take the Five Friends Challenge, and invite five friends to do the same.

When to call: WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 between 9am-1pm

Who: 
Senator Roderick Bray. He is the leader of the Senate.  (President Pro Tempore)
Phone: 317-232-9416
Email: s37@iga.in.gov

Senator Ryan Mishler. He is the chair of the Senate Appropriations committee
Phone: 317-232-9814
Email: s9@iga.in.gov

What: HB1001 – The Budget Bill

Why: Hoosiers communities need the state budget to fund public schools appropriately – 3% increase per year or higher –  and not waste funds on privately managed schools.

Message: Hello, I’d like to leave a message for Senator Bray/Mishler,

My name is ______, and I am a _______ (parent, grandparent, teacher, nurse, mom, dad…identify who you are to the legislative assistant/person receiving the call).  I am calling in regards to House Bill 1001.

I am urging Senator Bray/Mishler to support traditional public school funding that will affect the future of our students, communities, state, and beyond, in the coming years.

1. I ask that Senator Bray/Mishler support a budget increase of no less than 3% in 2026 and 2027, for our traditional public schools, the only type of school that is constitutionally required to be funded.

2.  Additionally, I ask that Senator Bray/Mishler NOT support the expansion of the voucher program.  This effort to subsidize the private school tuition for the wealthiest parents is fiscally irresponsible.

3. I request that NO additional funding be allocated to virtual schools.  Indiana still has not recovered the tens of millions of taxpayer dollars that were fraudulently obtained by Indiana Virtual School. Additionally, the current stock value of the state’s largest virtual school operator – Stride –  is $120 per share, further demonstrating how virtual schools are siphoning Hoosier tax dollars out of state rather than benefiting our local communities.

Investing in public education is crucial for our students’ futures and our communities’ well-being. Underfunding harms families and children who rely on these schools for a stable, equitable education. No child should suffer from a declining school system due to inadequate funding.

I ask that Senator Bray/Mishler please stand with our students, families, and communities by investing in public education and prioritizing funding for our public schools. By doing so, Senator Bray/Mishler can help ensure that all students are provided an opportunity to contribute to a healthy and thriving society.

Thank you!

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Sample Message to Your Friends:

“This legislative session, which establishes the budget for two years, will be over in a few weeks, and if we have any chance to stop the draconian cuts, the time is NOW!

I’m accepting the Five Friends challenge but like a good student, I’m shooting for a gold star and asking more than ten, and you are ON MY LIST!:)

Will you call? Will you ask five more friends to do the same? Please let me know!”