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Dear Editor:
We continuously hear that we should contact our legislators regarding our support or opposition to bills before the General Assembly. I have written or called many times, but lately have been wondering if it really makes a difference. I am outraged, disheartened, and appalled at what we are experiencing as a country and as a state.
I am especially concerned with many of the bills proposed in our current legislative session. Specifically, I oppose House Bill 1134, which passed out of the House and is now being debated in the Education Committee of the Senate. I am generalizing, but this bill appears to take teaching out of the hands of educators. The many educators I have talked with report that this will be the end of public education as we know it, and they will leave the teaching profession.
To be honest, I am not sure why this bill was proposed and is being debated by legislators. I am guessing that most of them are not teachers or former teachers? Regardless, it is our responsibility as concerned Hoosiers to share our views with our Representatives and Senators.
I recently contacted my Representative to state my opposition to HB 1134 and ask why he voted in favor. I received an honest reply and was pleased to learn that he will reserve his final judgment until he views the bill’s final version. He stated that he and other legislators are listening to the concerns of those opposed. So, hopefully, there is chance that contacting your legislator can make a difference!
I will continue to follow the status of this bill and others. I grew up learning about all the atrocities in our world’s history and wondering why so many people sat quietly and let them happen. I don’t want to be remembered for my silence. What about you?
Susan Ring
Carmel