STATEHOUSE (July 13, 2023) – New state laws supporting Hoosiers and backed by State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect.
Under the state's newly passed state budget, taxpayers are expected to save an estimated $430 million over the next two years via tax relief passed during the legislative session. Bartels said thanks to the acceleration of individual state income tax cuts, hardworking Hoosiers will have one of the lowest rates in the nation by 2027. Indiana's K-12 spending makes up about half of the state's $44.6 billion budget, and lawmakers supported increasing student funding by 10% over the next two years. In addition, Bartels co-authored legislation that was included in the state budget to eliminate textbook and curricular fees for parents.
"It's important we continue providing a solid education for future generations," Bartels said. "And with inflation cutting into everyone's budgets, the elimination of textbook and curricular fees will bring some needed financial relief for Hoosier families."
Most legislation passed during the recent session took effect at the beginning of the state's new fiscal year on July 1.
Bartels also highlighted the following new laws:
Improving Mental Health Services
To increase access and availability of quality care, Indiana will launch a new statewide infrastructure for mental health services through House Enrolled Act 1001, including expanding the number of behavioral health clinics. The 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline will expand through Senate Enrolled Act 1, which Bartels co-sponsored, to ensure Hoosiers in crisis have someone to call, somewhere to go and someone to respond during an emergency.
Increasing High School Relevancy
Bartels said to boost the number of career-ready students, those in grades 10-12 can soon use Career Scholarship Accounts to pay for career training or industry-recognized certification while in high school. Additionally, the state will review graduation requirements to better accommodate work-based learning experiences. Public high schools will host annual career fairs to encourage connections between students and employers.
Lowering Health Care Costs
In an effort to lower patient and employer costs, there will be greater transparency and oversight of Indiana's largest hospital systems through a new Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force. Bartels said health care costs will be further contained by prohibiting billing practices that often result in a higher hospital price being charged for nonhospital-based services. Physicians will also receive more support for starting an independent practice, which could increase health care options and lower costs.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws now in effect.
-30-
State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes all of Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
Click here for a high resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty), pictured in the Indiana House Chamber at the Statehouse, supported several new laws now in effect.
