INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana school referendums are passing at higher rates than before as all but three of the 20 ballot questions in this year’s primary and general elections were successful.
The Indianapolis Business Journal reports that voters said yes in November to raising taxes or keeping tax hikes in place to support day-to-day operations and construction projects in nine of 10 cases, including Mishawaka schools.
Some advocates say the referendums are a sign that Indiana’s schools aren’t being funded adequately and taxpayers are willing to pay more. Others say it shows Indiana property tax caps are having the intended effect of making voters directly responsible for tax hikes.
The 85 percent success rate is the highest since the votes became a more popular tool for schools after property tax caps were instituted in 2008.
