Indiana Legislators Write Low-Interest Loans for Charters into State Budget

Published June 7, 2015

Republican legislators in Indiana have worked a bill provision into the state budget to allow for new low-interest loans for charter schools, according to the Indianapolis Star. The measure, supported by Gov. Mike Pence, grants charter schools access to up to $50 million in loans.

Despite critics who have pointed to some Indiana charters’ inability to pay back loans in the past, Pence disputed any serious risk to taxpayers. Charter officials and supporters contend the additional loans for new buildings are necessary to stay competitive with traditional public schools, which receive more funding.

Chris Neal ([email protected]) writes from New York, New York.

Image by Simon Cunningham.