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 AdvocacyRob Moore, Co-Chair AdvocacyMike Thombleson, President
Konnie McCollum, President-Elect, AdvocacyLisa Cruea, Treasurer & AdvocacySheila Butler, Past President
Karen Crawford, SecretaryWilliam Patterson, Board & AdvocacyBrenda Gaston, Board
Angie Reffo, BoardAdrienne Carrol, Board & AdvocacyAmy Richmund, Board
Tom Miller, BoardLily Albright, AdvocacyAmy Wood, Advocacy
Maeve Warrick, AdvocacyDanni Mancusi-Shreve, AdvocacyChristina Persson, Advocacy
Jenn Wigginton, Executive Director & Advocacy