Pause for this moment.
If there was ever a time to stop, reflect, and celebrate the work of the Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education (IAACE), it is today. As the Indiana General Assembly released its budget, they chose to honor Governor Holcomb’s, Commissioner Adam’s Department of Workforce Development, and Mrs. Ertel, Executive Director for the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet’s vision to advance the services of adult education for Hoosiers around the state. Our Board, Advocacy Committee, staff, and Joe Loftus are happy to announce adult education has been funded at $16.9 million for year one and $20.9 million for the following year.
As we announce this historical and monumental increase, we want to do a call to action on membership. The budget cut in 2021 was a wake-up call. We need to advance a plan to have 100% of our teachers united as IAACE members and prepared to mobilize in force for future legislative agendas. This summer, IAACE plans to prepare a Strategic Plan to lay the foundation for a proactive plan for our programming and providers. We also encourage our members to share their thoughts about future policy needs. https://iaace.com/advocacy/
Also, as this fiscal year closes, let’s all commit to sending our policymakers a heartfelt thank-you note. Let’s also begin to schedule school visits to deepen our connection with the people who have the power to move adults into more promising futures and careers truly.
Last of all, and most importantly, let’s celebrate this past budget challenge. This obstacle rallied us, forged alliances between programs, forced us to define our value for the public, and set the stage for new horizons. The power of optimism is what fuels adult education programs, and the power source is you.
Thank you for all that you do for our students.
Sincerely
Christy McIntyre-Gray, Co-Chair Advocacy | Rob Moore, Co-Chair Advocacy | Mike Thombleson, President |
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Konnie McCollum, President-Elect, Advocacy | Lisa Cruea, Treasurer & Advocacy | Sheila Butler, Past President |
Karen Crawford, Secretary | William Patterson, Board & Advocacy | Brenda Gaston, Board |
Angie Reffo, Board | Adrienne Carrol, Board & Advocacy | Amy Richmund, Board |
Tom Miller, Board | Lily Albright, Advocacy | Amy Wood, Advocacy |
Maeve Warrick, Advocacy | Danni Mancusi-Shreve, Advocacy | Christina Persson, Advocacy |
Jenn Wigginton, Executive Director & Advocacy |
Jenn is the IAACE Executive Director. Her passion for adult education shines through in everything she does for IAACE. You can invite her to a chat for questions anytime. Click here to book a time to chat with Jenn