Indiana's economy is on the rise Every two years the General Assembly is required by the Indiana constitution to adopt a biennial budget. The process begins in the House Ways and Means Committee and discussed at length by the committee members to create a proposal that is voted on in committee and then passed down to the House floor to be amended and voted on by the full House. Indiana's economy is on the road to recovery and has consistently seen a rise in revenues. The February revenue forecast that was recently released showed revenues at $5 million ahead of what was projected in December. Historically, February is the smallest revenue month of the year, making the news even more promising. As Vice Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee I can guarantee you that our proposed budget is meant to stay true to the Strengthen Indiana Plan. House Bill 1001, the proposed budget for 2012-2013, does not increase taxes, will create a structurally balanced budget by Fiscal Year (FY) 2013, will maintain sufficient reserves to protect taxpayers, and will preserve K-12 education funding. The FY 2012-2013 budget must protect Hoosier taxpayers, preserve vital services, and allow Indiana to maintain the stable and sound fiscal environment necessary to create Hoosier jobs. We are working under the principle that we must live within our means as all Hoosier have had to learn to do in this recession. The government can make do with less, too. Most executive branch agencies were cut by 25 percent since 2009 and in the new budget their funds have been flat lined, instead of cut. This includes all state agencies, with a few notable exceptions: Medicaid because the federal government requires a certain level of funds, the Indiana Comprehensive Health Insurance Association for individuals with serious medical issues, and pension obligations. Economically, Indiana is in excellent shape compared to more than half of other states. Other states have raised taxes by over $36 billion since the start of the recession. Illinois alone has raised taxes by $6.8 billion annually since 2009. In addition, 24 states are already anticipating FY13 budget deficits totaling more than $66 billion and 13 states are projecting deficits in excess of 10 percent of their general fund budgets. I am happy to see Indiana continue to lead the nation out of this recession. On another note; last week I mentioned that the Democrats fleeing the state was the first in Indiana's legislative history. It was brought to my attention that this has happened before, in 1925. If you'd like to read more, please see the article that was printed in the Evansville Courier & Press "Boycott traditionally used as potent political weapon" on March 2, 2011. I hope that we can soon get back to work at the Statehouse and vote on a budget. If we are not able to adopt a budget by the end of the legislative session on April 29, as is our constitutional obligation, then the governor will have to call a special session that will cost taxpayers thousands of dollars in unnecessary costs. If a budget is not adopted by July 1, 2011, then the governor will be forced to shut down government agencies temporarily until the funds can be allocated for them to function. I have appreciated your comments and feedback and encourage you to continue sharing them with me. I can always be e-mailed at H78@in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9841. -30- State Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville)
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