Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio all are allowing their teachers to have COVID-19 vaccine
Teacher unions, Hamilton Co. Schools, Senate Democrats, and INDems all call on Governor Holcomb to have state’s educators — our essential workers — to have vaccine access
Holcomb continues pattern of disrespecting teachers, making false promises to improve career strength for educators
INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Democratic Party, the organization that advocates for the future of Indiana and its families, today slammed Governor Eric Holcomb for once again failing to look after educators by preventing them access to a COVID-19 vaccine. Starting this week, all of Indiana’s neighboring states are giving teachers vaccine priority. Holcomb’s decision to delay this vaccine access stalls the process to allow full in-person instruction and continues what is now a laundry list of failed promises by the governor.
The Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA), Hamilton County teacher unions, Indiana Senate Democrats, and the Indiana Democratic Party have all previously asked Governor Holcomb to give teachers access to a COVID-19 vaccine.
“Indiana’s teachers are essential workers, and the faster they receive a vaccine, the quicker we can return to some sense of normalcy in our public schools. This idea is not only backed by both Republicans and Democrats, but it’s common sense,” said John Zody, Chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party. “The problem is, it’s hard to have confidence in Governor Holcomb, because time and again he’s ignored our public school teachers and has refused to treat them with the respect they deserve. Prioritize our teachers for a change, Governor.”
If Governor Holcomb fails to prioritize the state’s teachers for vaccination, then it would only add to the growing disrespect the governor has shown our educators. Last week, the Governor announced his biennial budget which failed to provide any salary increase for public school teachers. It was a promise broken from last year when Governor Holcomb used his 2020 State of the State Address to promise a pay raise for Indiana’s public school teachers in 2021.
Here’s a timeline showing how teachers from neighboring states were made priority for COVID-19 vaccine access:
December 7, 2020 – Kentucky: Teachers will be among the first to receive the vaccine
January 6, 2021 – Michigan: Michigan teachers can get COVID vaccine beginning Monday
January 11, 2021 – Illinois: Illinois to allow local health departments to start vaccinating those 65 and older, plus teachers and other essential workers
January 29, 2021 – Ohio: COVID-19 vaccination schedule for Ohio schools announced
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