STATEHOUSE (July 14, 2023) – New state laws supporting Hoosiers and backed by State Reps. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) and Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect.
"Because of more than a decade of conservative budgeting, Indiana has the flexibility to provide relief to Hoosier taxpayers while covering essential services and investing in the future," Lindauer said. "Legislation is often the result of input from constituents, and these new laws will help better serve and support our communities."
Most legislation passed during the recent session took effect at the beginning of the state's new fiscal year on July 1.
Under the state's newly passed state budget, taxpayers are expected to save an estimated $430 million over the next two years via tax relief passed during the legislative session. Borders said thanks to the acceleration of individual state income tax cuts, hardworking Hoosiers will have one of the lowest rates in the nation by 2027. Indiana's K-12 spending makes up about half of the state's $44.6 billion budget, and lawmakers supported increasing student funding by 10% over the next two years. In addition, parents will no longer pay textbook and curricular fees.
"I've met with many constituents who were shocked when they received their local property tax bills this year, and it was clear the legislature needed to act," Borders said. "We gave flexibility for locals to take action now to save property owners money, and we also made changes that will provide much-needed relief moving forward."
Lindauer and Borders also highlighted the following new laws:
Providing Tax Relief for Homeowners
Property tax dollars are collected and spent locally, and help pay for schools, police and fire protection, and other local government services. Borders said 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.
Honoring Active-Duty Military
Lindauer said to honor members of the armed services, active-duty military will receive a complete income tax exemption starting next year. He said this tax relief could also attract more out-of-state service members and their families to call Indiana home, and help fill the workforce pipeline.
Keeping Politics Out of Pensions
With a new law co-authored by Borders and Lindauer, Indiana's public pension system will keep its focus exclusively on maximizing returns, and not favor environmental, social and governance factors commonly referred to as ESG. Borders said unfortunately, ESG investing can exclude American and Hoosier industries like fossil fuels and firearms, and could hurt workers.
Maintaining Election Security
To ensure the absentee vote-by-mail process is as secure as voting in person, when submitting an absentee ballot application, voters will need to include a form of ID, like the last four digits of their Social Security number and either a driver's license number, state ID number or voter registration number. Voters can also submit a photocopy of their driver's license or an ID card for non-drivers.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws now in effect.
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State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45,
which includes all of Greene and Sullivan counties, and portions of Daviess, Knox and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) represents House District 63,
which includes all of Martin County, and portions of Daviess, Dubois and Pike counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
