The Legislature has now adjourned and legislators are back in their districts. Perhaps some of you think of this year’s session as a Dickens novel: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” What I thought might be a fairly tame session became anything but tame. In the midst of everything, though, we succeeded in accomplishing our priorities for Indiana and serving the needs of our individual communities.
Our state’s budget bill was our highest priority during the session because it will fund Indiana for the next two years. I am pleased to report that the budget is honestly balanced and does not increase taxes on Hoosiers. The budget increases the allocation for K-12 education by $474 million, the largest increase to education funding in Indiana’s history. It also funds public safety initiatives to improve the wellbeing of all Hoosiers. The budget is balanced and based on accurate revenue forecasts to make sure we live within our means as a state. Being fiscally responsible ensures that future generations of Hoosiers will inherit opportunities rather than debts.
Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 436 passed this year and is especially relevant to District 23 and our surrounding area. The bill focuses on assessment and classification of agricultural land for tax purposes. For 2015 and 2016, this legislation limits the per acre base rate used to calculate taxes on agricultural land in order to keep those taxes as low as possible. The bill clarifies what types of land can be considered to be used for agricultural use. This clarification allows for the possibility that land could be bought for residential purposes and later used in part or completely for agricultural purposes. It also requests a study committee within the General Assembly to consider alternative ways to assess agricultural land in the future.
Another bill of interest to our district is SEA 298. This bill allows private companies in Indiana to voluntarily have a preference employment policy for veterans. The goal of this bill is to assist honorably discharged veterans searching for work. Helping these men and women find lasting employment after their time of service will strengthen our community’s economy and wellbeing. We appreciate our veterans’ service to our state and our country, and allowing businesses to show them preference in employment decisions is a small way that we, as a community, can thank them.
Though this session has had some difficult moments, these accomplishments are evidence of the effectiveness of our system. I am confident that the genuine, friendly personality of Indiana will overcome the contentious moments of this session.
My plan is to write an occasional column during the interim, especially to recognize individuals who excel at one thing or another. McGrew’s Well Drilling, Inc. of Fulton County was recently awarded the Governor’s Century Business Award for being in continuous business for over 100 years. I was pleased to join the family for the award ceremony at the Statehouse. They deserve congratulations for their longevity and contribution to their community.
Stay in touch. It is your government.
More later,
Bill Friend
-30-
Rep. Bill Friend represents portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties. He also serves as Speaker Pro Tempore.
