This week the legislature wrapped up the first half of the 2019 session. We passed 201 bills out of the House, and we expect to receive just as many from the Senate to consider during the second half of session. I am sponsoring 12 different Senate bills and look forward to telling you more about those in the coming weeks.
Our most significant piece of legislation, the biennial state budget, was passed out of the House this week. This bill provides $34.6 billion of funding for the state over the next two years, and is honestly balanced. We will continue to live within our means with a responsible surplus that maintains our AAA credit rating. That AAA rating is essential because when local governments and school corporations borrow money, they are able to get lower interest rates. In addition, maintaining strong reserves is a responsible practice. I take the obligation to protect your tax dollars seriously, and a balanced budget is a cornerstone of this promise. It is important to remember that while the budget has passed out of the House, it will continue to develop and change over the next two months of session in the Senate.
Half of the state’s budget goes to K-12 education, and the House Republican proposal increases that money over the next two years. Paired with the surplus funds to reduce the impact of commitments schools must pay into teacher retirement funds, this means our budget plan includes $611 million more for schools statewide. We also increased funding for the school safety grant and English language learner programs, and maintained our current commitment to teachers by providing the Teacher Appreciation Grant that rewards our best educators with a bonus.
The budget would also help Purdue University construct a new Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Those raising livestock in Indiana, like my family and their beef cattle, know how vital that hospital and its services are to animal agriculture. The current facility was built in the 1950s when the school first opened, and is in need of some updates. Animal agriculture remains an important part of Indiana’s economy, and a new facility would help continue the important research and veterinary services that happens there and expand the current level of care.
Additionally, the budget proposal includes funding for the perinatal navigator program to help pregnant mothers connect with the state’s healthcare services and takes steps to reduce infant mortality. Indiana currently has the 7th highest infant mortality rate in the nation. As one of the 13 counties most at risk, Cass County will have access to this program, which I was proud to support in the House Public Health Committee and on the House floor.
With that, the first half of the 2019 legislative session is over. If you have any questions or concerns about any issue going through the General Assembly, do not hesitate to contact me at 317-232-9620 or h23@iga.in.gov. Remember, it’s your state government, so participate in it!
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Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Denver) represents House District 23, which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
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