INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce has announced its priorities for the 2017 session of the General Assembly. CEO Kevin Brinegar says long-term infrastructure funding, pre-k, a testing program that will help students and provide accountability, and reducing the smoking rate are all on the agenda.
Brinegar says it’s fundamentally important to have a suitable testing mechanism to make sure students are learning and teachers are teaching. Statistics show early childhood education programs increase reading comprehension and overall academic success.
The group will stress to lawmakers that smoking increases healthcare costs and reduces quality of life. He says smoking can be reduced by increasing the cost of tobacco. The group also advocates a stronger cessation program, and raising the smoking age from 18 to 21 years old.
