STATEHOUSE (Feb. 9, 2022) – In the first half of the 2022 legislative session, Greene County 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. Jeff Ellington (R-Bloomfield) and Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) co-authored 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.
"Years of fiscal discipline and a fast economic recovery from the pandemic have put Indiana in a position to return tax dollars to those who earned them," Ellington said. "It's not the time to use these excess reserves to grow government. This is a responsible tax-cut package that will provide relief to hardworking Hoosiers and businesses alike."
Borders 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.
"Higher inflation is eating into Hoosiers' income like we haven't seen in years," Borders said. "Any relief we can provide so their hard-earned money covers more is a priority. Cutting the business personal property tax could also jumpstart more economic development and capital investment both locally and across the state."
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.
"Nurses are essential to an effective health care system, and they've been challenged by the pandemic these past couple of years," Ellington said. "This legislation makes much-needed changes to get more nurses in the field while maintaining high training standards."
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.
"It's important for offenders with drug and mental health issues to receive treatment that can keep them out of the criminal justice system and help get their lives back on track," Borders said. "Moving these offenders to DOC facilities could also free up resources for local law enforcement."
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.
Borders and Ellington 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. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45, which includes
all of Sullivan County and portions of Vigo, Greene, Knox and Daviess counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jeff Ellington (R-Bloomfield) represents House District 62, which includes
portions of Greene, Monroe, Martin and Daviess counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
