Henry County lawmakers: Legislative session ends with passage of balanced state budget, tax relief and other key priorities for Hoosiers

STATEHOUSE (May 5, 2025) – The 2025 legislative session ended with passage of the state's next two-year budget as well as tax relief and other key priorities for Hoosiers, according to Henry County lawmakers.

"As chair of the House Public Health Committee, I’m especially proud of the steps we took this session to improve health care access and affordability for Hoosiers," said State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond). "From holding nonprofit hospitals accountable to increasing price transparency, we’re putting patients first and driving meaningful reform. These efforts, along with investments in mental health and public safety, reflect our commitment to healthier, stronger communities across Indiana."

The budget accounts for lowering Indiana's state income tax each of the next two years, which will save taxpayers over $200 million per year. The legislature also advanced major property tax relief and reform legislation this session. Together, these two tax cuts will save Hoosiers $1.3 billion in taxes over the next two years. Key investments were also made in K-12 education and public safety.

"We made it a priority this session to empower Hoosiers and reduce unnecessary burdens on our schools," said State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown). "By giving communities more control over their education decisions, we’re creating the flexibility schools need to innovate and improve outcomes. At the same time, we’re making smart investments in education, public safety and infrastructure to ensure Indiana remains a great place to live."

All eight of the House Republican priority items advanced to the Governor's desk by the adjournment of session, including:

• House Enrolled Act 1001: Enacting an honestly balanced, two-year state budget that makes government more efficient, strengthens our commitment to education and public safety, and protects taxpayers.
• House Enrolled Act 1002: Reducing regulations on K-12 schools to increase flexibility and give local communities more control over education decisions.
• House Enrolled Act 1003: Lowering health care costs for Hoosiers by improving transparency and predictability in pricing and billing and giving patients more control over their treatment options.
• House Enrolled Act 1004: Ensuring nonprofit hospitals act as nonprofit entities focused on delivering health care.
• House Enrolled Act 1005: Improving access to housing by expanding the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program (RIF) and streamlining the regulatory process for housing development.
• House Enrolled Act 1006: Strengthening public safety by creating a review board to investigate prosecutors who refuse to enforce our laws.
• House Enrolled Act 1007: Meeting the needs of today's energy economy while reducing costs for Hoosiers.
• House Enrolled Act 1008: Welcoming Illinois counties that have voted to secede from their state to join us in Indiana.

"This session reflected the needs of Hoosiers by providing tax relief, empowering parents and ensuring safer communities," said State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City). "With a balanced budget and support for key improvements, we’ve built a stronger foundation for Indiana’s future. I’m proud of the work we did this session and am ready to continue our progress.”

To track these and other bills as they are signed into law by the governor, click here.

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State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes Wayne County and portions of Henry County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo. 

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.

State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33,
which includes all of Blackford and Randolph counties,
and portions of Delaware, Henry and Jay counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.