STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2022) – In the first half of the 2022 legislative session, St. Joseph County lawmakers voted to advance several key priorities, including a sweeping tax-cut package to help hardworking Hoosiers and businesses.
Now in the hands of the Indiana Senate, State Reps. Dale DeVon (R-Granger), Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) and Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) supported what would be the largest tax cut in state history, putting over $1.3 billion back in Hoosiers' pockets. The state's budget reserves are expected to hit a record $5 billion at the end of fiscal year 2022, which is $3 billion more than expected.
"Thanks to hardworking Hoosiers, Indiana's financial position remains one of the best in the country," DeVon said. "We have a track record of fiscal responsibility, and now we have an opportunity to return money to taxpayers."
DeVon said House Bill 1002 would deliver direct relief to working Hoosiers by reducing the individual income tax from 3.23 to 3%. To encourage new investments, this legislation would also lower the business personal property tax while ensuring homeowners and schools aren't negatively impacted. In addition, the bill would lower Hoosiers' utility bills by repealing the 1.4% Utility Receipts Tax.
To alleviate the state's ongoing nursing shortage, local lawmakers supported House Bill 1003 to boost the health care workforce pipeline by providing flexibility to those seeking licensure. By 2031, Indiana will need 5,000 additional nurses and nursing programs will need to increase their graduating classes by 1,350 each year to meet this need. This is in addition to the current 4,300 nursing job openings statewide.
"The pandemic only exacerbated the nursing workforce shortage," Wesco said. "This legislation would help with expanding nursing education programs and growing the candidate pool all while maintaining high standards."
Wesco said this legislation would also give flexibility to nursing programs and nurse educators, and support nursing students working to obtain the required hours to be licensed.
To reduce jail overcrowding, area lawmakers supported House Bill 1004 to allow judges to send Level 6 felony offenders to the Indiana Department of Correction instead of county jails. Teshka, who co-authored the legislation, said a recent report shows nearly 75% of all felony criminal filings in Indiana are Level 6 felonies, with many of those substance-related, like drug possession or operating while intoxicated. He said the state often offers greater access to mental health and addiction treatment services.
"Giving offenders access to treatment programs is critical to reduce recidivism rates," Teshka said. "Unfortunately, options for rehabilitation are often limited, especially in rural areas. Sending level 6 offenders to the IDOC will not only give them a greater chance at getting back on the right path, but could free up resources for local law enforcement as well."
To protect public comment at school board meetings, Teshka also co-authored House Bill 1130, which requires school boards to allow time for public comment from those physically present at a meeting. He said school boards could set a time limit of three minutes or more and take reasonable steps to maintain order in meetings, like removing a disruptive person.
"Public input is critical and helps determine what decisions will be made regarding the education our students receive," Teshka said. "In some areas of the state, opportunities for parents to weigh in were taken away and this legislation ensures Hoosier parents are heard."
Teshka said there's a lot of work left to do in the second half of session as the Indiana House of Representatives will consider Senate bills and the Senate will consider House bills. Watch session and committees, and view legislation at iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) represents House District 5,
which includes portions of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Jake Teshka (R-South Bend) represents House District 7,
which includes the majority of St. Joseph County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) represents House District 21,
which includes portions of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
