Pence Aide With Role In Grade Scandal Leaving State Government

Posted on Author WKVI
 
 

Gov. Mike Pence’s chief lobbyist is leaving the administration. Heather Neal also served as chief of staff to former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett and played a significant role in the changing of grades for a charter school funded by a prominent Republican donor. Copies of emails obtained by the Associated Press indicate Bennett and Neal frantically intervened late last year on behalf of the Cristel House Academy to boost the school’s grade from a C to an A. “The Journal Gazette” reports Neal is joining Limestone Strategies as president of its public affairs practice. The company is based in Indianapolis and Washington, D.C. Bennett lost his reelection bid to Glenda Ritz last November and was hired as state education commissioner in Florida. He resigned from that job after news of the grading scandal broke.

Dr. Tony Bennett to Speak at Lincoln Day Dinner in Star City Today

Posted on Author WKVI
Dr. Tony Bennett

Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, Dr. Tony Bennett, will be the featured speaker at this year’s Lincoln Day Dinner, sponsored by the Pulaski County Republican Party. The dinner is scheduled for today at the Star City Community Building. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. ET and the program begins at 6:00 p.m. ET. Tickets are $25 at the door.

Dr. Bennett will be discussing the four bills associated with the education reform agenda during tonight’s event. One bill allows charter schools sponsorship opportunity and accountability. Another seeks approval for teacher evaluations and licensing and collective bargaining for teachers. A fourth bill being discussed in this year’s legislature provides scholarships to low income students to pay the costs of tuition and fees at a public or private elementary school or high school that charges tuition.

Dr. Bennett has been involved in Indiana education for over 20 years and has served as the State’s Education Superintendent since January 12th, 2009.

State Representative Nancy Dembowkski Discusses Democrat Walk-out

Posted on Author WKVI
State Representative Nancy Dembowski

Indiana House Speaker, Brian Bosma, said Thursday that he would not call Republicans back until Monday after the Democrats make clear they will not return from an Illinois hotel before then.

17th District State Representative, Nancy Dembowski (D-Knox) talked with WKVI news about the party members walk-out that has caused many in the district to question the maneuver.

“It’s not easy,” said Dembowski. “We’re all sick about it too and it’s pretty stressful, let me tell you. I guess maybe it’s because I’m getting to be a certain age, but if I don’t stand up for what I believe, I can’t live with myself. At some point in time, you have to stand up for what’s right and I think we’re standing up for the people and to be a voice is what’s right.”

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