The combined state funds for traditional public, charter and private school vouchers as a percentage of the state’s general fund has shrunk in the past 14 years.

The Senate easily approved its version of the budget bill Tuesday, setting up final negotiations over the states $43 billion spending plan.

The two school corporations with referendums on the ballot were hopeful this year's election would look similar to 2014, when both won voter approval for their tax proposals.

In a letter sent to schools Friday, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) and House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) outlined a plan for lawmakers and the Indiana Department of Education to ensure full funding for students learning in-person during the fall semester.

The weekly roundup of COVID-19 news: Indiana’s COVID-19 cases dip slightly following Labor Day weekend. Gov. Eric Holcomb says the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate is a "bridge too far." And the Indiana Department of Health hires a company to help expand testing as demand continues to rise.

Indiana will not cut funding for K-12 schools, according to Gov. Eric Holcomb. At a news conference Wednesday, he said the state's budget for K-12 schools approved by lawmakers in 2019 will remain on track, despite revenue shortfalls spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indiana schools will receive more money per student as part of the 2017-19 state budget plan. Funding was also increased for private school vouchers.