STATEHOUSE (July 2, 2021) – Allen County lawmakers said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state laws effective July 1, including the new state budget and those supporting small businesses, law enforcement and education.
State Reps. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne), Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) and Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) highlighted several new and notable laws:
Funding Hoosier Priorities
Indiana's next two-year, $37 billion state budget reduces taxpayer-funded debt by over $1 billion, and provides opportunities for future tax cuts and reforms. House Enrolled Act 1001 funds critical government services and proven programs while making historic investments in K-12 education, broadband and economic development.
"Despite economic uncertainty caused by the pandemic, we still passed a remarkable budget thanks to years of fiscal prudence," said Heine, who serves as chair of the Local Government Finance Subcommittee on the House Ways and Means Committee, which is responsible for drafting the state budget. "Because we were prepared, Indiana weathered the economic storm and came out strong on the other side. Most important, we accomplished this without raising taxes on hardworking Hoosiers and their families."
Helping Small Businesses
Senate Enrolled Act 1 and House Enrolled Act 1002 support employers and jobs by extending civil liability protections related to COVID-19 to employers, schools and health care entities. House Enrolled Act 1004, which was effective upon passage, allows local employers impacted by the pandemic to apply for a Small Business Restart Grant to pay for a portion of business and payroll-related expenses. Hoosier employers can learn more and apply at backontrack.in.gov.
"Hoosier small businesses took a hit this past year and many are still working to get back to normal," said Morris, chair of the House Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee. "As a small-business owner, my family suffered along with so many others. I urge everyone affected to review these new laws and see how if it could help them start to economically thrive again."
Supporting Law Enforcement
Indiana directed $70 million to improve law enforcement training facilities and programs. Departments can apply for grants to purchase body-worn cameras. Carbaugh and Heine coauthored House Enrolled Act 1006, which received bipartisan support and total backing from law enforcement to give police more tools to vet candidates and hire the best officers.
Prioritizing Students, Teachers
House Enrolled Act 1001 ensures K-12 education will receive a historic, $1.9 billion increase in funding over the next two years to support students and teacher pay raises. A new, $150 million grant program established by House Enrolled Act 1008, which was effective upon passage, supports students who are at risk of falling behind or scored below academic standards because of disruptions caused by COVID-19.
"Education is critical and supporting Hoosier students tops the list of needs in the budget every year," said Carbaugh, a member of the House Education Committee, and co-author of House Enrolled Act 1008. "Some students fell behind academically over the course of the last year, and that's why I worked on legislation to help them catch up with their classmates."
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
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State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 81, which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 85, which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) represents House
District 84, which includes a portion of Allen County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
