IAACE President’s Message

Dear IAACE Members,

As shared during the statewide call this week, Title II adult education funding was completely eliminated in the President’s “skinny budget.”

That’s right—zeroed out.

We’ve seen this before, and just like in the past, we must respond—loudly and swiftly. When we advocate together, we make a difference.

Now is the time to highlight the powerful impact Indiana’s adult education programs have on individuals, the workforce, and our state’s economy. Thanks to your hard work, Indiana’s outcomes—especially our Measurable Skill Gains (MSGs)—are well above the national average. That’s something to be proud of—and something our federal legislators need to know.

We want to thank Senator Todd Young for his long-standing support of adult education, including his bill proposing $801 million in federal funding. This week, IAACE’s board with the help of the advocacy committee—at COABE’s request—sent him a letter sharing Indiana’s success and urging him to sign the Senate’s adult education funding request letter. But we must keep the pressure on.

Here’s how you can help—right now:

🔹 Use COABE’s Voter Voice tool to contact your legislators with your personal emails. It takes less than 2 minutes:
👉 https://www.votervoice.net/COABE/Campaigns/126080/Respond

🔹 Encourage your colleagues, students, friends, and family to do the same. Every voice matters.

Not sure where to start? We’ve made it simple.

Just enter your information, and Voter Voice will create a pre-written message for your legislators. (Quick note: if you click on the message link generated, it may appear restricted—it’s only accessible to congressional staff with proper login credentials. Rest assured, your message still goes through.)

If advocacy feels intimidating, we understand—but this process is quick, painless, and effective. And if you want to do even more, reach out to an IAACE board member or your program director—we’d be happy to help.

📆 The deadline is NOW! Do not wait!
The cutoff for members of Congress to sign the bipartisan Dear Colleague letter and advocate with the Appropriations Committee is rapidly approaching.

Let’s be clear—this is not a drill.
We are fighting for the future of adult education—and for the thousands of students and communities we serve every day.

Let’s do what Indiana does best:
Let’s lead. Let’s advocate. Let’s protect adult education.

In solidarity,
Katie Walton
President, Indiana Association for Adult and Continuing Education (IAACE)

Jenn Wigginton

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