Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Friday, March 3, 2017
(STATEHOUSE) - Earlier this week, the Indiana House of Representatives approved its balanced budget proposal, which would set in place state funding operations for the next two years, according to State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford).
"We have reached the halfway point of the 2017 session and our budget proposal outlines sustainable methods of funding Indiana's vital services such as education, public safety and workforce development," May said. "It's important that the state continues to live within our means, and maintain our prudent reserves and AAA credit rating. This rating saves the state and local governments millions of dollars in loan interest and also attracts new, outside investment."
May said the $31 billion budget proposal, included in House Bill 1001, increases funding for local K-12 schools by 2.8 percent over the biennium. It would also provide modest funding increases for higher education and double state funding for Indiana's high-quality pre-K pilot program, which helps low-income, at-risk students.
"In its current form, the bill reflects the House's dedication to fiscal conservatism while making investments aimed at benefiting Hoosiers across the state," May said.
Also included in the House budget are increases in Indiana State Police and conservation officer salaries and the state income tax exemption for military pensions and survivor's benefits, as well as funding to address the state's opioid epidemic and investments in workforce development.
House Bill 1001 will now be sent to the Senate for consideration.
State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) represents House District 65, which includes all of Brown County, most of Lawrence County and parts of Monroe, Jackson and Johnson counties.
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