STATEHOUSE - Protecting Hoosiers was at the core of the state budget passed by the House yesterday by a bipartisan vote of 62-37 and passed the Senate by a vote of 34-16.
"These are tough times for Hoosier taxpayers," said Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville). "The most important thing for the General Assembly to do was to pass a budget that was fiscally responsible. Neighboring states are being forced to consider tax increases or severe cuts, because they have huge budget deficits. "Our budget still leaves a $1 billion surplus. By not spending any more money, we have a cushion that gives Indiana a good chance to ride out these tough times and protect Hoosiers from tax increases."
Rep. Crouch said the budget includes many things are important to her:
It contains no general tax increases.
It maintains at least $1 billion in state reserves.
It increases average statewide K-12 education funding. Most states are cutting education funds. Some states are cutting funds up to 20 percent.
It funds $440,000 to the Lincoln production.
"There are items in this budget I do not support and items were excluded that I believe have real merit," said Rep. Crouch. "Those items were not as important as a budget that holds the line on spending and allows the state to make it through this economic downturn without asking Hoosiers for more of their hard-earned money." Of the items in the budget Rep. Crouch approved of, she was delighted the state funded the Lincoln play production with almost half a million dollars. "I am exceptionally pleased to have $440,000 appropriated in the budget for the Lincoln performance," said Rep. Crouch. "We are celebrating President Lincoln's life with this fantastic show, which is acted out in the same woods Lincoln walked through as a child and is written by an award-winning playwright and screenwriter. In addition, this production brings tourism to Spencer County, contributing to the economic development of the region. I hope everyone will attend and enjoy the show." Lincoln is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. daily except Mondays, through Aug. 15, at the Lincoln Amphitheater in Lincoln State Park. Tickets include a traditional Amish Meal catered by Black Buggy restaurant, children's pioneer games, a President Lincoln exhibit and early American music performances.
"Overall, this is a responsible budget for Indiana right now," said Rep. Crouch. "We spend within our means, avoid drastic government program cuts and Hoosiers aren't threatened with a tax increase." |
