Indiana heading in the right direction STATEHOUSE -- Indiana is poised for a rebounding start to 2011 following the economy's slowdown over the last year and a half. The State Budget Agency released their monthly revenue report for January showing revenues for Indiana are $41 million over the forecasted projections. The increase in revenue and the decrease in the unemployment rate to 9.5% are solid indicators that Indiana is on the right track. Indiana's fiscal house remains in order, and businesses are expanding -- hiring Hoosiers and taxpayers have not been burdened by tax increases. I am greatly encouraged by these numbers, but we still have many challenges yet to face. While revenues this year are 9% higher than last year, we are still likely to have collections below 2008 levels. As Vice Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, I am doing my best to ensure the financial stability of the state. The General Assembly is continuing these efforts and following the Strengthen Indiana plan with House Bills 1005, 1006, 1007, and 1008 which will bolster Indiana's economic development. I authored HB 1006 and it will be heard on the House floor soon. It will encourage entrepreneurship by making it easier to obtain licenses and permits for new and existing businesses by setting up an online one-stop-shop through the Secretary of State's office. This week, HB 1007, which will help give local communities the necessary tools to promote job creation, was passed through the House on its third and final reading. It will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. HB 1007 will, in summary:
If you'd like more information on any of the bills we are working on in the House or Senate you may visit: http://www.in.gov/legislative/index.htm As always, I welcome your comments and feedback and will keep you updated on the progress of the General Assembly. -30-
State Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) |
