The state's newly passed state budget prioritizes fiscal responsibility and focuses on what matters most to Hoosiers. We made strong investments in essential areas like education while also maintaining sensible reserves and providing relief to taxpayers.
Did you know that Indiana's K-12 spending makes up about half of the state's $44.6 billion budget? Under the new budget, significant investments will continue as student funding will increase by 10% over the next two years. In addition, I co-authored legislation to ensure parents will no longer pay textbook and curricular fees.
We know that Hoosier students need more than a high school diploma to be successful in today's economy, but not all of them want to attend a traditional two- or four-year college. I supported legislation to make more work-based learning opportunities available in our high schools. Sophomores, juniors and seniors will be able to use Career Scholarship Accounts to pay for earn-and-learn opportunities like career training, apprenticeships and certifications. The state will also re-examine graduation requirements, so that these experiences can count toward a diploma. We owe it to our children to provide them with as many avenues for success after school as possible.
Taxpayers are expected to save an estimated $430 million over the next two years via tax relief passed during the legislative session. Thanks to the acceleration of individual state income tax cuts, hardworking Hoosiers will have one of the lowest rates in the nation by 2027.
Property tax dollars are collected and spent locally, and help pay for schools, police and fire protection, and other local government services. To help counter the rise in local property tax bills, the state took action to provide about $100 million in property tax relief for homeowners beginning next year. Hoosiers can expect a temporary increase to the supplemental homestead tax deduction and additional limits on property tax levy growth.
Additionally, I co-authored a law that exempts active-duty military pay from the state income tax starting next year, regardless of deployment status. Having over 20 years of military service, I know firsthand the sacrifices these men and women make to serve our country. This law is one more way we can encourage them to make their home in Indiana.
I will continue working to ensure our state government funds essential services and makes strategic investments for the future while continuing to be good stewards of tax dollars. Please keep in touch with any questions, suggestions or concerns by contacting my office at 317-232-9863 or h74@iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) represents House District 74,
which includes Crawford, Perry and Spencer counties, and portions of Dubois and Orange counties.
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