Linda Rogers State Senator - District 11

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Bill to Bring More AEDs to Schools Ceremonially Signed by Governor

This week, language I authored that would require more automated external defibrillators to be present at athletic and extracurricular activities was ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Mike Braun.

House Enrolled Act 1515 requires athletic coaches, marching band leaders, drama or musical leaders, and leaders of certain extracurricular activities to ensure an AED is present and operational at certain events. These leaders are also required to make any individual coaching or leading the event and the children attending the event aware of the location of the AED and any emergency plans regarding the use of the AED.

I was joined at the ceremonial signing by many supporters of this AED language, including the following individuals.

• Julie West, the founder of the Play for Jake Foundation, who lost her son to sudden cardiac arrest
• Tonya Aerts, a program coordinator for Project ADAM and a teacher at New Prairie who works to help schools become heart safe
• Christina Cesnik, the director of Indiana Government Relations for the American Heart Association
• John Doherty, a licensed athletic trainer and physical therapist and a staunch supporter of AEDs
• Drew Strasser, a Rochester High School student who survived sudden cardiac arrest due to the use of an AED

I am happy to see the governor support this important measure to ensure the safety of our children. AEDs, and a plan of action to use them, can save lives, especially for those who may not be aware they have a heart condition. 
 

I have worked closely with many people from my local community and throughout the state for several years on legislation regarding the accessibility of AEDs, specifically in schools. This ceremonial signing not only acknowledges the importance of AEDs, but also recognizes all of the stakeholders and individuals who helped craft this important language, and I am grateful to all those who helped me. 

Holding Indiana Schools Accountable

Here in Indiana, we believe access to a quality education is a key to success. Our state budget reflects this priority, with over $10 billion per year – almost half of our budget – dedicated to K-12 education. That's why I supported a bill to hold Indiana schools accountable and recognize excellent performance with an updated A-F grading scale.

Though schools were previously given A-F grades from 2011 to 2018, grades have not been given out for seven years for a variety of reasons.

House Enrolled Act 1498 directs the Indiana State Board of Education to update the factors and methodology used for school accountability grades so parents have a better idea of how schools are performing and which school may be the best fit for their child to attend.

Factors that must be used in determining a school's grade include ILEARN pass rates, IREAD-3 pass rates and students graduating with advanced coursework and vocational experiences.

The state is currently reviewing options for the future grading scale, and a first draft was recently released. To learn more about the process of creating a new grading scale, click here.

Indiana’s robust school choice environment puts parents in the driver’s seat of decisions for their child’s education. Improving transparency and accountability for our schools will help ensure Hoosier parents have the information they need to ensure their kids receive the education that works best for their individual needs.

Volunteers Needed at State Fair Fishin' Pond

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is looking for volunteers to help at the DNR Fishin' Pond during this year's Indiana State Fair. If you would like to register to volunteer this year, click here.

This year's Indiana State Fair runs from Aug. 1-17. For more information about this year's fair, click here.

Discounts Available at Indiana State Park Inns

Indiana State Park Inns are currently offering a 25% discount if you stay two consecutive nights through Aug. 28 on Sundays through Thursdays. To learn more, or to reserve a room, click here.

IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Rogers /  800-382-9467

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