Indy Standard

Indiana House Republicans have introduced an amendment to the proposed state budget for the upcoming biennium, focusing on taxpayer protection and funding key priorities such as education and public safety.

"House Republicans remain committed to passing a balanced budget that maintains healthy reserves while continuing to fund critical services and reduce the tax burden on Hoosiers," stated State Representative Jeff Thompson, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. He added, "We appreciate Gov. Braun's leadership on the budget and are closely aligned on our goals to streamline government and support our growing economy. We will continue to work with our Senate counterparts and the administration to get these and other priorities across the finish line."

For over ten years, House Republicans have aimed to lessen Hoosiers' tax burden, achieving annual tax cuts that have saved taxpayers more than $20 billion since 2013. The new budget proposal plans further reductions in income tax rates, aiming for 2.95% next year and 2.9% by 2027.

Education funding would see a boost of $560 million under this plan, marking an increase of over 4% for K-12 education during the biennium. Additionally, it proposes removing income limits from the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program to broaden school choice access for all families in Indiana. The budget also allocates funds for Career Scholarship Accounts to enhance work-based learning opportunities and Education Scholarship Accounts for students with special needs.

Public safety enhancements include establishing a public prosecution fund intended to financially assist county prosecutors as part of HB 1006—a priority bill for House Republicans—and supporting both the state's High-Tech Crime Unit and Commission on Improving the Status of Children.

To foster community growth, $25 million annually would be allocated over two years through the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program (HB 1005) aiding local governments in financing infrastructure projects related to new housing developments. Key economic initiatives like the 21st Century Research and Technology Fund along with Manufacturing Readiness Grants would receive continued funding. New tax credits are also planned to promote capital investments in rural areas while upskilling workers across Indiana.

Further details regarding House Bill 1001 can be accessed online at iga.in.gov as legislative sessions proceed towards their April 29 deadline.