The 2012 legislative session is coming to a close and my colleagues and I have worked persistently to accomplish our goals to make Indiana a better place to live, learn and work. With the passage of several key bills we will increase funding for full-day kindergarten, assist military families and phase out the inheritance tax. This legislation has been widely supported both locally and statewide. Indiana is one of only eight states that continue to have an inheritance or ‘death’ tax. Because of this, many people leave the state to avoid this unfair double tax. It is particularly hard on small businesses and also family farms that require more capital to generate income. Unfortunately, many time families that inherit farming operations may be forced to sell off land or farm equipment to pay for the death tax. The legislation approved this year by the General Assembly will allow the tax to be gradually phased out over the coming years. The repeal of this tax is common sense so that an individual’s hard-earned wealth is not taken by the government after their death. This legislation is a strong step in the right direction for Indiana’s economic future. In order to better support our active duty troops and their families, we approved legislation that will extend the amount of time they can apply to receive grants from the Military Family Relief Fund. Currently, they can only apply for the grant within one year of an active duty military member returning home. With this bill, they will now have up to three years to receive the grant which is worth up to $5,000. Finally, a major step was taken to further improve education opportunities in Indiana by adding an additional $80-$100 million to the full-day kindergarten grant program. These additional funds are a sound investment for the future. The same piece of legislation will also improve an automatic taxpayer refund from excess state reserves, maintains our commitment to the Retired Teacher Pension Stabilization Fund, and provides additional funds to the State Fair stage collapse victims. These three bills are awaiting approval to be signed into law by the governor. I’m pleased we have been able to accomplish some long-term goals by their passage and I look forward the positive impact they will have on all Hoosiers. Thank you for your continued feedback and support this session. -30- Crouch Capitol Connection, Making Indiana a better place to live, learn and work, 3-9-12.doc |
