The Corydon Democrat
Wednesday, March 20, 2002

Community Foundation Bill moves to Governor's desk

Legislation authored by State Rep. Paul Robertson, (D-Depauw), co-authored by State Rep. Dennie Oxley, (D-English), that would allow school donations to be controlled by community foundations has advanced to Gov. Frank O'Bannon for final consideration.

House Bill 1201, which passed both House and Senate without amendments, would allow statewide donations made to schools to be saved in community foundations in the hopes of gaining additional revenue through interest that then can be used to benefit that school.

"Currently, the law does not allow for non-tax revenue school funds to be placed into community funds," Robertson said. "This issue came to my attention when the Harrison County School Supt. Dr. Neyland Clark and Steve Gilliland, executive director of the Harrison County Community Foundation asked me to pursue legislative action to help resolve a local situation."

Robertson added, "A state official asked a community foundation to return a grant to a local teacher who had wanted the money placed in a community fund to earn interest to benefit her schools art program."

Robertson explained that institutions such as the Lilly Endowment have been matching these accounts to assist in community growth. Without this legislation, schools could not benefit from these contributions.

"It's important for us to support legislation such at HB 1201 to ensure the financial support of schools now and in the future," Oxley said. "This legislation is a great way to put our kids and teachers first in Indiana."

"This legislation is important to increase funding for schools and other community initiatives," Roberston said. "During this time of fiscal question, any financial support helps."