STATEHOUSE-Rep. Tim Neese (R-Elkhart) and the House of Representatives worked to the final minute early this morning in completing their work during the short session. Before the session ended, also known as Sine Die, House members voted in favor of giving school corporations funding flexibility. The bill passed by a vote of 98 to 0 and now heads the governor's desk for his signature. For over a year state revenues have fallen below the forecasts thus prompting a $300 million reduction in school funding. In an effort to keep teachers in the classroom, we offered legislation to give schools the ability to reallocate money to fill holes in depleted funds. "I have had many discussions with school teachers throughout this session, and I am glad to finally say that we were able to give schools the funding flexibility they need to address cuts made to their funds." Rep. Neese said. "I'm glad that we were able to work together to pass this legislation. The legislature worked in the best interest of both students and teachers." Earlier this year, the House of Representatives also passed one bill allowing the Illiana Expressway to be built without legislative approval. House Joint Resolution 1, one of the most important accomplishments of the session, was passed early on. It would graft property tax caps into the state constitution after being approved by voters on the November ballot. The act of giving homeowners, farmers and business owners the chance to cap their own taxes was the most sweeping tax reform Indiana has seen in several decades. The vast majority of Hoosiers want the opportunity to vote on this critical issue.
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