This July marked the start of several new laws going into effect. I wanted to tell you about a few of them, highlighting our work this past legislative session. From safeguarding Hoosier taxpayers and lowering health care costs, to protecting women's sports and reining in Medicaid spending, we took steps to keep Indiana fiscally responsible while funding critical services, and to help ensure a better tomorrow for our students, parents and families.
One of these new laws is our balanced budget for the next biennium, House Enrolled Act 1001. It maintains Indiana’s AAA credit rating, funds critical priorities and continues state income tax cuts for Hoosiers. The budget provides the most ever funding for K-12 schools and expands school choice to all families next year, solidifying Indiana as a national leader in school choice. It boosts funding for public safety and housing access to support growing communities. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, I was proud to play a role in crafting the budget and getting it across the finish line.
To reduce health care costs, another new law, House Enrolled Act 1003, prevents large nonprofit hospital systems from charging more for the same services billed at different facilities. It also requires more public posting of service prices to allow patients to compare costs and make informed decisions and it strengthens efforts to combat Medicaid fraud.
Additionally, ensuring fairness in collegiate sports is essential to protecting opportunities for female athletes. House Enrolled Act 1041 protects the integrity of women’s sports in Indiana by preventing biological males from competing in female categories at the collegiate level. This law follows our previous efforts to protect girls’ K-12 sports.
Finally, Medicaid spending in Indiana has grown by $5 billion in the last four years, ballooning to 22 percent of our state budget. Senate Enrolled Act 2 bolsters oversight of Medicaid to prevent fraud and abuse. It strengthens eligibility and accountability measures to ensure tax dollars are used to support those who truly need assistance.
To learn more about these and other new laws, visit iga.in.gov. If you have questions, concerns or need assistance with a state agency, you can contact my office at in.gov/h60 or at 317-232-9760.
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State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Johnson, Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
