STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2022) – In the first half of the 2022 legislative session, area lawmakers voted to advance several key priorities, including a sweeping tax-cut package to help hardworking Hoosiers and businesses.
Now in the hands of the Indiana Senate, State Reps. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) and Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) supported what would be the largest tax cut in state history, putting over $1.3 billion back in Hoosiers' pockets. The state's budget reserves are expected to hit a record $5 billion at the end of fiscal year 2022, which is $3 billion more than expected.
"Thanks to the resilience of Indiana's workforce, our state remains in a strong fiscal position, making it possible to do the right thing and return money to taxpayers," Bartels said. "Rather than growing the size of government, we want to put more money in the pockets of hardworking Hoosiers."
Bartels said House Bill 1002 would deliver direct relief to working Hoosiers by reducing the individual income tax from 3.23 to 3%. To encourage new investments, this legislation would also lower the business personal property tax while ensuring homeowners and schools aren't negatively impacted. In addition, the bill would lower Hoosiers' utility bills by repealing the 1.4% Utility Receipts Tax.
To alleviate the state's ongoing nursing shortage, local lawmakers supported House Bill 1003 to boost the health care workforce pipeline by providing flexibility to those seeking licensure. By 2031, Indiana will need 5,000 additional nurses and nursing programs will need to increase their graduating classes by 1,350 each year to meet this need. This is in addition to the current 4,300 nursing job openings statewide.
"The pandemic only exacerbated the nursing workforce shortage," Lindauer said. "This legislation would help expanding nursing education programs and grow the candidate pool all while maintaining high standards."
Lindauer said this legislation would also give flexibility to nursing programs and nurse educators, and support nursing students working to obtain the required hours to be licensed.
To reduce jail overcrowding, area lawmakers supported House Bill 1004 to allow judges to send Level 6 felony offenders to the Indiana Department of Correction instead of county jails. The state often offers greater access to mental health and addiction treatment services.
"Treatment and rehabilitation options are crucial for reducing recidivism rates," Lindauer said. "In some rural areas, options for mental health and drug addiction are limited. If we can connect these low-level offenders to the right resources, we have a greater chance of getting them the help they need."
Lindauer said a recent report shows nearly 75% of all felony criminal filings in Indiana are Level 6 felonies, with many of those substance-related, like drug possession or operating while intoxicated.
Bartels said there's a lot of work left to do in the second half of session as the Indiana House of Representatives will consider Senate bills and the Senate will consider House bills. Watch session and committees, and view legislation at iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) represents House District 63,
which includes portions of Daviess, Dubois, Pike and Martin counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
