STATEHOUSE (Feb. 4, 2022) – In the first half of the 2022 legislative session, State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) 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, Lehman supported 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.
"Rather than growing government, I believe the right thing to do is return money to taxpayers," Lehman said. "Our state is in a strong fiscal position due in large part to the resiliency of our workforce, and it's time to pass this responsible tax relief bill."
Lehman 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 are not negatively impacted. In addition, the bill would lower Hoosiers' utility bills by repealing the 1.4% Utility Receipts Tax.
To alleviate the state's ongoing nursing shortage, Lehman 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.
"The nursing shortage is being felt throughout the nation, and here in Indiana we want to do something about it," Lehman said. "With this legislation, we can help expand nursing education programs and grow the candidate pool all while maintaining high standards."
Lehman said the legislation would also give flexibility to nursing programs and nurse educators, and support nursing students working to obtain the required hours to be licensed.
To reduce jail overcrowding, Lehman 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.
"Treatment and rehabilitation are key to reducing recidivism rates," Lehman said. "In rural areas like ours, options for mental health and drug addiction are limited. By connecting more low-level offenders to the right resources, we can get them the kind of help they need and make our state a safer place overall."
Lehman said 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.
Lehman 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. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) represents House District 79,
which includes all of Adams County and portions of Allen and Wells counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) in the House Chamber voices his support for the proposed $1.3 billion tax-cut package Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. House Bill 1002 received bipartisan support, and is now with the Indiana Senate for further consideration.
