Porter raises concerns about School for the Deaf amid budget cuts
With the end of the fiscal year approaching on July 1, agencies have finalized their operating budgets based on their appropriations for 2026. State Rep. Gregory Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement about budget cuts at the Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD):
“I’m utterly appalled by the Braun administration’s treatment of ISD. The school is in my district, so I’ve seen the time, devotion and thoughtfulness the faculty shows to their students. Generations of kids who are deaf or hard of hearing have received a quality, inclusive education from the institution.
“A few weeks ago, parents reached out to my office about budget cuts at ISD. I couldn’t believe their messages. State budget cuts forced the ISD to lay off 26 employees, including nine teachers. One of the positions eliminated was an overnight nurse, even though kids as young as three stay in the dorms. The school had to cancel its annual summer camp, and teachers will be required to clean the school building after reductions in custodial staff. Republicans are always saying that all schools deserve the same treatment. Hopefully, the majority is comfortable requiring teachers in their district to cut costs by scrubbing the floors to stay true to their saying.
“This lack of respect for the ISD demonstrates the jarring viewpoint this administration has towards Hoosiers in need, as profit margins. Children can’t be equated to dollar signs on a piece of paper. It’s clear that running a government like a business means we lose our empathy in the process.
"We can find the money. If Indiana can spend $655 million to build a new combined school for the blind and deaf, we can surely fully fund the ISD for the biennium.
"Due to my concerns, I will be submitting a letter to the chair of the State Budget Committee to ensure we discuss the ISD next meeting. My previous request to the chair on June 18 received no response. I also encourage Gov. Braun to visit the institution, so he can see firsthand the incredible work of its faculty.”