STATEHOUSE (July 7, 2023) – New state laws supporting Hoosiers and backed by State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect.
"This legislative session, we worked hard to pass legislation that supports those we serve and makes our local communities stronger," Olthoff said. "I'm particularly excited about our efforts to boost mental health services across Indiana, which will help fill a critical need, and increase high school relevancy for our students so they can be better prepared to hit the ground running upon graduation."
Most legislation passed during the recent session took effect at the beginning of the state's new fiscal year on July 1.
Under the state's newly passed state budget, taxpayers are expected to save an estimated $430 million over the next two years via tax relief passed during the legislative session. Thanks to the acceleration of individual state income tax cuts, hardworking Hoosiers will have one of the lowest rates in the nation by 2027. Indiana's K-12 spending makes up about half of the state's $44.6 billion budget, and lawmakers supported increasing student funding by 10% over the next two years. In addition, parents will no longer pay textbook and curricular fees.
"This session, we build on track record of cutting taxes and ensuring Hoosiers keep more of their hard-earned money," Soliday said. "We also passed a plan to guide state energy decisions now and into the future. Our focus will continue to be on supporting a diverse energy mix that keeps the lights on and the economy moving. Hoosiers want and deserve nothing less."
The local legislators highlighted the following new laws:
Improving Mental Health Services
Olthoff said to increase access and availability of quality care, Indiana will launch a new statewide infrastructure for mental health services, including expanding the number of behavioral health clinics. She said with Senate Enrolled Act 1, the 988 Suicide Crisis Lifeline will expand to ensure Hoosiers in crisis have someone to call, somewhere to go and someone to respond during an emergency.
Increasing High School Relevancy
To boost the number of career-ready students, those in grades 10-12 can soon use Career Scholarship Accounts to pay for career training or industry-recognized certification while in high school. Additionally, the state will review graduation requirements to better accommodate work-based learning experiences. Public high schools will host annual career fairs to encourage connections between students and employers.
Supporting a Diverse Energy Plan
Soliday said Indiana's new statewide energy plan, which he authored, is based on five pillars, including reliability, resiliency, stability, affordability and environmental sustainability. He said to ensure the dependability of future energy sources, utilities will also have to increase their electric generating capacity to cover demand within their territory even in extreme weather events.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws now in effect.
-30-
State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House District 4,
which includes a portion of Porter County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
