Delivering results for Hoosiers: real reform, real relief

By SCOTT BALDWIN
State Senator

With the passage of the state’s next two-year budget, the 2025 legislative session came to a close late last month. Despite a projected $2 billion revenue shortfall, we passed a balanced, fiscally responsible budget that protects taxpayers, strengthens public safety and invests in our future.

As your state senator, I’m pleased to share that several impactful bills I authored were signed into law, each designed to make life better for Hoosiers across our state.

Property tax relief

Rising local property taxes have burdened homeowners in recent years. That’s why I authored Senate Enrolled Act 1, the flagship property tax relief bill of the session. SEA 1 will save Indiana homeowners $1.3 billion over the next three years.

Next year, two-thirds of homeowners will see a lower tax bill than they do today, and nearly all will pay less than they would have under previous law. Every homestead will receive up to $300 in additional credits, with targeted relief for seniors, disabled Hoosiers, and veterans.

Just as important, SEA 1 adds transparency to the local budgeting process by requiring elected officials to publicly vote on local property tax rates each year.

This is meaningful, direct relief for working Hoosier families and retirees that still ensures our schools and communities remain well-funded.

Ensuring responsible use of your tax dollars

To ensure your tax dollars are spent wisely, I authored SEA 5 to increase legislative oversight and accountability in state government. SEA 5 improves how state agencies spend tax dollars and manage federal funds, boosts workforce efficiency and reinforces a simple idea: government exists to serve Hoosiers – not itself.

Protecting Hoosiers from foreign influence

In today’s ever-changing media environment, transparency is critical. That’s why I authored legislation requiring media entities operating in Indiana to disclose any foreign ownership, funding, or content sourcing.

This commonsense measure helps ensure that Hoosiers know who is behind the information they consume, strengthening the integrity of our state’s media environment.

Improving support for our veterans

As a veteran, I understand the challenges many face when navigating benefits and support systems. I authored SEA 433 to improve the training and performance standards of veterans service officers (VSOs) across Indiana.

Far too often, inconsistent local support has left veterans without the help they’ve earned.

This bill ensures that when veterans walk into a VSO office, they’ll get the help they deserve.

Expanding opportunities for National Guard members

We took steps to better support the Indiana National Guard. New legislation expands educational and financial benefits for Guard members and their families, including broader education benefits that cover apprenticeships, workforce credentials and certifications – not just traditional college – expanded workers’ compensation eligibility and enhanced financial support for the families of those who die in service.

These reforms strengthen our Guard and help build a workforce to meet our state’s needs.

Responsibly lowering income taxes

Building on previous reforms, we passed a mechanism to further reduce Indiana’s already low and declining income tax rate beyond 2027. Starting in 2030, the rate will continue to drop incrementally – eventually to 2.75 percent – when economic conditions allow.

This ensures Indiana remains a top destination for families, entrepreneurs, and businesses looking to grow.

You can view a full list of the bills I authored and supported this session at iga.in.gov.

Although the legislative session has ended, my work on your behalf continues every day. I welcome your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. Please reach out anytime at IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Baldwin.

Thank you for the honor of serving you in the Indiana Senate.