By Beth Taylor
In 2015, State Representative Todd Huston will focus on several key areas important to Fishers residents, including the school funding formula, accelerated baccalaureate degrees, and acquiring a multipurpose soccer stadium for Indianapolis, which will be home to the Indy Eleven soccer team.
A graduate of Hamilton Southeastern high school and a former school board member, Huston wants to help make the Hamilton Southeastern school district stronger to enhance economic development.
“Currently, I’m actively involved in discussions to help HSE get more dollars per student,” said Huston. “We’re one of lowest funded per student in the state. It’s not just an economic issue but also an equality issue. We need to maintain the school system that the tax payers of Fishers deserve.”
Huston thinks that as a key economic engine in the state of Indiana, Fishers students need to have programs and experiences to help them become future entrepreneurs and leaders.
Huston authored House Bill 1231, which would provide an award for students who participate in an accelerated degree program. It appropriates $1 million in state fiscal years 2015-2016 and 2016-2017 to the commission for higher education to award grants to state educational institutions for implementing 36-month baccalaureate degree programs that are approved by the commission.
“Studies show that time is the biggest barrier to graduation. With a three-year program, students can graduate sooner and may avoid student debt,” Huston said. Purdue University started a three-year offering for a Communications degree. “The idea isn’t to push kids out, just give them the option to get out earlier. They would have to meet the same credit hour requirements.”
Huston supports creating a multipurpose stadium in Indianapolis that would serve as home to the Indy Eleven soccer team. “Soccer is on a wave up. Twenty-five years ago, when the Colts were brought to the city, it meant that Indianapolis was now a major city. In a few years, you won’t be considered a major city without a professional soccer team,” Huston said. Huston thinks that a stronger Indianapolis equates to a stronger Fishers.
“My wife and I grew up here, so I understand why people want to move here. It’s a great place to live, and it’s been great to see more and more people get involved in the city government. It will only make us better.”
