STATEHOUSE (Feb. 9, 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. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) and Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) 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.
"Our budget surplus is evidence of a state that adheres to the principles of fiscal conservatism," Morrison said. "While we continue to responsibly fund essential services and strategically invest in Indiana's future, returning tax dollars to their rightful owners would do more to help Hoosiers than adding more government programs."
According to Baird, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee charged with crafting the state's budget, 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," Baird said. "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.
"The pandemic has tested our health care workers like nothing we've experienced before," Morrison said. "They need help building their ranks, and this legislation would provide much-needed flexibility to nursing programs and nurses seeking licensure."
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.
"Our local law enforcement is overburdened with offenders who need counseling and treatment services more than incarceration," Baird said. "DOC has the necessary tools, and getting them access to these resources gives them a better chance at recovering and staying out of our criminal justice system."
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.
Baird 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. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) represents House District 42,
which includes all of Vermillion County and portions of Clay, Fountain, Parke, Vigo and Warren counties.
Click here to download 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.
