Session brings largest tax cut to Hoosiers in the history of Indiana
Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), announced the end of session, or Sine Die on Friday evening, closing out a year of priorities achieved. The House Republican agenda, which was released in October, centered on making Indiana a stronger state for future generations, by focusing on fiscal integrity, job growth, and enhanced education opportunities for every Hoosier.
“Our time this session has been focused on jobs and education,” said State Representative Woody Burton. “By providing college and career readiness education, we are propelling our state forward. Investing in education and workforce development will make Indiana stronger now and in the future.”
The House Republicans’ “Own Your American Dream” plan focuses on three key concepts: financial security, matching Hoosier workers with high paying jobs, and making education investments.
Financial Security for Future Generations
Indiana is one of only nine states that has a AAA credit rating from all three credit agencies. Indiana holds a higher credit rating than the federal government, whose debt has now passed the $16 trillion mark for the first time in our nation’s history. That equates to more than $50,000 of debt for every man, woman and child in the U.S.
“In addition, we also introduced a new conservative concept in state budgeting: paying cash for projects and paying off the state’s debt burden,” said Speaker Bosma. “After all of those goals have been met, and with a proven track record of fiscal integrity, we are in the position to give Hoosiers the largest tax cut in the history of Indiana. This blend of tax relief will have a very positive impact on Hoosiers across the state and provides a tax cut for virtually every Hoosier.”
Bridging the Skills Gap
“Initiatives like the Indiana Career Council will help put more Hoosiers back to work and equip them with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s global marketplace,” said Rep. Burton. “Aligning our job training and educational efforts with available Hoosier jobs will allow us to remain the best job creation environment in the Midwest.”
According to the Indiana Vision 2025 report published by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, more than 930,000 Hoosiers lack even the most basic skills to thrive in today’s economy.
Leaders in Classrooms; Leaders in Life
Currently, there are nearly two and a half science, technology, engineering and mathematics [STEM] jobs for every one unemployed person in Indiana. Despite the economic downturn, these jobs have remained in demand, and will only increase as technology marches on. HEA 1001 creates a STEM Teacher Recruitment Fund and new stipend programs for teachers that are in high demand.
In Indiana, 61 percent of children (ages 3-4) are not enrolled in a preschool program. Only six states have a higher percentage of children not attending a preschool. The budget creates a Pre-K Matching Program. School choice was also expanded for students with disabilities, special needs, and siblings. There is no longer a requirement for students in failing school districts.
“We have worked together to address these issues instead of passing the problems on to future generations to handle. Through our commitment to fiscal integrity, quality jobs, and providing strong education opportunities to our children, the American Dream can be a reality for future generations of Hoosiers,” said Speaker Bosma.
