This election, Hoosier voters will decide through Public Question No. 1 if the Indiana Constitution should be amended to require the state legislature to enact honestly balanced state budgets.
According to a news release from State Rep. Kathy Richardson’s office, although Indiana has maintained a balanced budget over the last seven years under conservative leadership, this proposed amendment would add an additional constitutional safeguard to prevent future legislatures from deficit spending or passing debt on to future generations.
It would also specifically require state lawmakers to prioritize pre-funded pensions before making other budgetary decisions. These added protections will not impact pre-funded pensions for firefighters, teachers and police officers, as confirmed by the Indiana Public Retirement System and by the professional organizations that represent teachers and public safety officers.
To read the full question as it will appear on the ballot and the proposed amendment in its entirety, click here. The Indiana Retired Teachers Association also provides facts to correct rumors and misinformation, while the Indiana Public Retirement System has prepared a Q&A that can be found here.