STATEHOUSE (Feb. 4, 2022) – In the first half of the 2022 legislative session, area 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. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) and Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) 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.
"Indiana continues to be in the national spotlight because we live within our means, pay down debt and invest in our future," said Heaton, who serves on the House Ways and Means Committee and State Budget Committee. "That fiscal stewardship has put us in a position where we can responsibly return tax dollars to the people who earned them."
Heaton 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 has tested our health care workers like nothing we've experienced before," Morrison said. "They need help building their ranks, and this legislation would provide much-needed flexibility to nursing programs and nurses seeking licensure."
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. The state often offers greater access to mental health and addiction treatment services.
"It's important for offenders with drug and mental health issues to receive treatment that can keep them out of the criminal justice system and help get their lives back on track," Borders said. "Moving them to DOC facilities could also free up resources for local law enforcement."
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.
Borders 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.
-30-
State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) represents House District 46,
which includes portions of Clay, Monroe, Owen and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) represents House District 42,
which includes all of Vermillion County and portions of Clay,
Fountain, Parke, Vigo and Warren counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) represents House District 45,
which includes all of Sullivan County and portions of
Vigo, Greene, Knox and Daviess counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
