House Republicans recently announced our priorities for the 2026 legislative session, and we're focused on lowering costs for Hoosier families and reducing government bureaucracy. Our priority legislation this year builds on the progress made in recent years to reduce costs for Hoosiers, grow our economy and ensure state government works efficiently for taxpayers.
This session, we are targeting some of the biggest cost pressures facing Hoosier families. House Republicans are working to make it more affordable to own a home by rolling back costly regulations that slow housing development and drive up costs. We're also tackling energy bills by adding performance-based accountability to ensure utilities are hitting targets aimed at lowering costs for ratepayers and increasing reliability. Additional priority bills work to reduce government bureaucracy across multiple areas.
These priorities go hand-in-hand with new laws passed last year to reduce health care costs, help communities invest in housing infrastructure, expand energy generation to meet the growing demand, and reduce K-12 education regulations so that our schools and teachers can focus on educating our kids. Also last year, the legislature advanced more than $1 billion in tax cuts, including property tax relief and continued reductions to the state income tax to one of the lowest rates in the nation.
This session I've authored legislation that directly responds to issues raised by our community members. House Bill 1133 would eliminate straight ticket voting to encourage voters to evaluate candidates individually and strengthen accountability in our elections. HB 1132 would give Rush County the option to implement a local food and beverage tax if locally elected leaders determine it is right for the community, providing a locally controlled tool to ease pressure on property taxpayers and help generate revenue from visitors traveling through the county. Additionally, I authored HB 1131 to update licensing standards for estheticians and microneedling services to ensure proper training and consumer protections.
The 2026 legislative session is expected to conclude at the end of February. I am committed to working with my colleagues to deliver results that lower costs for Hoosiers and strengthen our communities.
As your state representative, I want to make sure your voice is always heard. If you have questions, ideas or concerns contact me by phone at 317-232-9850 or visit in.gov/h54.
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State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
