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On Thursday I led debate on HF 847 which implemented many changes towards the better for K-12 education. This bill also passed with bipartisan support. HF 847 started as part of the Governor’s Students First Act earlier this year and I want to thank her and the other members of the House Education Committee for their help with amendments and their help with passing this section of that proposal. Some highlights in the bill include:
- Innovative waivers to give school districts working creatively the flexibility they need to move education forward in STEM and work-based learning
- Doubles the tuition and textbook tax credit and expands the program
- Expands deductions for teachers who make work related expenditures
- Adds open enrollment options for students who are struggling academically or if their school as a whole struggles academically
- Changes the time required for students to sit out of varsity sports from 90 school days to 90 calendar days and allows the requirement to be waived if the sending and receiving schools agree.