"I am proud that everyone from both sides were able to come together and give businesses a chance to hire again," Rep. Crouch said. "Jobs are our number one priority, and today we took a positive step forward in getting Hoosiers back to work." During the 2009 legislative session, the General Assembly passed legislation to increase unemployment premiums on employers ranging from $9-748 per employee. This legislation passed without Rep. Crouch's vote. The delay on unemployment insurance tax premiums will save Indiana businesses $640 million over the next two years. "The amendments were removed from the bill and the tax delay for employers makes Hoosiers the true victors of the 2010 legislative session," Rep. Crouch said. A victory was also secured for our schools as legislators passed a measure to give schools the funding flexibility they need to shore up negative funds. 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 as long as the school corporation agrees not to lay off any employee. "I'm glad we were able to get down to business and do what is right for schools," Rep. Crouch said. "The economy has affected everyone, schools included, and tonight we were able to give them flexibility so teachers will not have to be laid off. I'm proud of the dedication shown by every member to make sure our kids education is not harmed." 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. |
