STATEHOUSE (July 1, 2021) – State Rep. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw) said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state laws effective July 1, including the new state budget and those supporting law enforcement, small businesses and schools.
"As a freshman lawmaker, being a part of the legislative process is truly inspiring, and we accomplished a lot for Hoosiers this session," Snow said. "Our state is on solid financial footing and we were able to make strong investments in K-12 education and public safety in addition to supporting small businesses."
Snow highlighted several new and notable laws:
Funding Hoosier Priorities
Indiana's next two-year, $37 billion state budget reduces taxpayer-funded debt by over $1 billion, and provides opportunities for future tax cuts and reforms. House Enrolled Act 1001 funds critical government services and proven programs while making historic investments in K-12 education, broadband and economic development
Supporting Law Enforcement
In House Enrolled Act 1006, which Snow co-authored, Indiana directed $70 million to improve law enforcement training facilities and programs. The law received bipartisan support and total backing from law enforcement to give police more tools to vet candidates and hire the best officers. Under the new state budget, departments can also apply for grants to purchase car and body-worn cameras.
Helping Small Businesses
Senate Enrolled Act 1 and House Enrolled Act 1002, effective since the spring, support employers and jobs by extending civil liability protections related to COVID-19 to employers, schools and health care entities. House Enrolled Act 1004, which went into effect upon passage, allows local employers impacted by the pandemic to apply for a Small Business Restart Grant to pay for a portion of business and payroll-related expenses. Hoosier employers can learn more and apply at backontrack.in.gov.
Prioritizing Students, Teachers
K-12 education will receive a historic, $1.9 billion increase in funding over the next two years as part of Indiana's biennial state budget to support students and teacher pay raises. A new, $150 million grant program established in House Enrolled Act 1008, supports students who are at risk of falling behind or scored below academic standards because of disruptions caused by COVID-19.
Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.
-30-
State Rep. Craig Snow (R-Warsaw) represents House District 18, which
includes Wabash County and portions of Kosciusko, Grant and Miami counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
