STATEHOUSE (Feb. 8, 2022) – In the first half of the 2022 legislative session, area lawmakers 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, State Reps. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville), Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) and John Young (R-Franklin) 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.
"Due in large part to our state's fiscal discipline over the years, we are now in a position to provide tax relief directly to hardworking Hoosiers and businesses," said Mayfield, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which drafts the state's budget. "This is a responsible tax-cut package that will help ensure Indiana receives top consideration when job creators look to make new investments and grow their operations."
Baird 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 aren't negatively impacted. In addition, the bill would lower Hoosiers' utility bills by repealing the 1.4% Utility Receipts Tax.
"Indiana is already top-ranked for its low taxes, but it's critical that we continue to attract industries of the future and encourage capital investment," said Baird, also a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. "Lowering the business personal property tax would encourage new investment, which will open up job and economic development opportunities."
To alleviate the state's ongoing nursing shortage, local lawmakers 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.
"Our nurses have been on the front lines of this pandemic for almost two years now, and they need our help," Young said. "This legislation shares broad support and will open up the talent pipeline so we can get more nurses on the ground now and in the future."
To reduce jail overcrowding, area lawmakers 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.
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.
Mayfield, Baird and Young 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. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville) represents House District 60,
which includes portions of Morgan and Monroe counties.
Click here for a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) represents House District 44, which includes
all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Morgan, Owen and Parke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin) represents House District 47,
which includes portions of Johnson and Morgan counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
