Indiana lawmakers successfully passed Indiana’s next two-year state budget, which includes a historic investment in K-12 public education, according to State Rep. Todd Huston (R-Fishers) and State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen).
Huston, co-chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, said the $34 billion balanced budget funds the state’s priorities, maintains prudent reserves and protects the state’s coveted AAA credit rating.
Huston
“Under conservative leadership, Indiana has become a national leader in fiscal responsibility and economic development, and this state budget builds on our reputation,” Huston said. “Thanks to the hard work put in by both chambers and Governor Holcomb, our state’s strong fiscal health allowed us to make significant investments in our priorities like K-12 public education.”
Mishler, who chairs the Senate Committee on Appropriations, said the budget includes a historic investment of $763 million in total new dollars for K-12 public education over the state’s last budget.
“The budget passed today by the General Assembly is a reflection of the strong collaboration between the Senate, House and governor, whom I have greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with this session,” Mishler said. “The budget addresses the needs of the Hoosier state and truly puts education first by increasing K-12 funding by $763 million. I look forward to the positive results this budget will have on Indiana over the next two years and beyond.”
Over the biennium, the 4.5 percent overall boost will support students, teacher salaries, school safety measures and educational opportunities for all students.
The state also continues to invest in workforce development programs like Workforce Ready Grants, which help Hoosier workers get much-needed training to obtain higher-paying jobs.
The budget allocates more than $500 million in critical funding to the Indiana Department of Child Services to keep up with casework demands and continue to prioritize the well-being of children in foster care.
House Enrolled Act 1001 can now be considered for action by the governor.
Spartz issues statement following conclusion of legislative session
State Sen. Victoria Spartz (R-Noblesville) made the following statement on Wednesday regarding the conclusion of the 2019 legislative session:
Spartz
“After many months of deliberation, my colleagues and I agreed upon a fiscally conservative budget that will support economic growth and meet the needs of our state over the next two years.
“I am pleased to report the approved budget also includes strong ‘rainy day’ reserves, ensuring that in the event of an economic downturn, Indiana will avoid budget cuts to areas that are most critical, such as law enforcement or education.
“I am pleased with the progress the General Assembly made this year, but our work is not complete. I authored a number of bills this session that encourage the Legislative Council to task an interim committee with studying issues that require more information before they can be addressed with legislation. Some of these include exploring the governance structure of education reform, oversite of tax increment financing, healthcare costs, and laws and policies concerning the adjudication and rehabilitation of juvenile offenders.
“As your state senator, I will continue to work hard to help address the needs of our community, and I look forward to having another productive session in 2020.”