State Sen. Luke Kenley: Senate proposed budget passes committee

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State Sen. Luke Kenley
State Sen. Luke Kenley

State Sen. Luke Kenley’s (R-Noblesville) sponsored legislation, House Bill 1001, commonly known as the “budget bill,” passed the Senate Committee on Appropriations on April 9 by a vote of 8-3.

Kenley, who chairs the appropriations committee, said HB 1001 is honestly balanced and focused on funding Indiana’s most important needs and creating a strong foundation for the state’s economic future. Kenley said he is pleased with the two-year fiscal plan, which provides increased funding for K-12 and higher education, roads and public safety.

“State leaders made it clear from the start of session that we would put education first on our list of priorities, and that is exactly what this budget does while continuing our commitment to fiscal responsibility and holding the line on spending,” Kenley said. “It incentivizes excellence in our public schools, funds local and state infrastructure, and encourages Hoosier job growth all without any tax increases. This is a budget that will benefit all Hoosiers.”

Highlights of the budget include:

Education

● Increases K-12 funding by $466 million during the biennium (2.3 percent increase in fiscal year 2016 and a 2.3 percent increase in fiscal year 2017).

● Increases total university operating funds by $220 million during the biennium and provides a one-time funding of $25 million for repair and maintenance at all regional campuses.

 

Balanced Budget

● Ongoing revenues exceed ongoing expenditures.

● Ends biennium with $1.88 billion in reserves.

 

Public safety and corrections

● Provides community corrections funding of $151 million during the biennium.

● Increases funding for offender mental health and addiction treatment by $30 million during the biennium.

● Funds 13 new magistrates in high-need counties.

● Funds the Larue Carter Mental Health Hospital building plan.

 

Economic development

● $200 million per year for Major Moves 2020 highway projects.

● Establishes a statewide “Launch Indiana” program for aspiring Hoosier entrepreneurs.

● Provides $20 million during the biennium for the governor’s Regional Cities Initiative.

● Funds regional economic priorities including: IU Medical School in Evansville, Hulman Center in Terre Haute, IUPUI Soccer Stadium, Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority and the Hoosier State Line from Indianapolis to Chicago.


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