House District 94 update for the week of 4/25: Final State Budget Fails Working Hoosier
Dear neighbor,
In the early hours of April 25, the last day of session, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of the state budget, House Enrolled Act 1001. The budget was unveiled the previous night at 6 p.m., which gave House Democrats only 24 hours to review the document. Statehouse Democrats were not included in budget negotiations or discussions, meaning our communities didn’t get a seat at the table.
Due to President Trump’s tariffs, Indiana is $2 billion short for our two-year budget. We had to cut our spending by close to 4%. Critical programs were cut such as public health initiatives, higher education, pre-k, public transportation and more. Additionally, not only is there no solution to make housing more affordable, but funding for housing resources like the Housing First program was eliminated.
I shared on the House Floor that this budget does not look out for the least of thee. Many Hoosiers struggle to keep up with the increasing cost of housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare. The 2025 state budget passed by Indiana Republicans does not address the very real needs of working families.
While these services that benefit hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers were cut, the private school voucher program will receive an additional $100 million of taxpayer money every year starting in 2027. The public schools that serve the overwhelming majority of Hoosier students will remain underfunded.
Parts of the budget I support and have advocated for many times include:
Increasing the cigarette tax to nearly $3 per pack to remedy the $2 billion budget deficit. Revenue generated from increasing the cigarette tax will go to the Medicaid program.
Tapping into the Pension Stabilization Fund to offset the deficit. The state deposited an extra $3.7 billion into the fund due to an influx of federal dollars during COVID-19.
A 30% budget cut for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) after concerns with the LEAP district, land purchases and a lack of transparency.
Requiring the Indiana General Assembly to approve and oversee the appropriation of funds to the office of the Secretary of State. The current Secretary of State has given over $308K in spot bonuses to employees and awarded millions in secretive no-bid contracts.
My concerns with the final budget include:
Traditional public school funding increases by only 3.3% in 2026 and 1.6% in 2027, which doesn't keep up with inflation. This number is also inflated given the fact that $160 million for textbook costs is included in the funding increase.
Education experiments, however, receive a larger-than-inflation funding increase.
Brick-and-mortar charters will receive a 4.8% increase in 2026 and a 3.7% increase in 2027 and virtual charters will increase by 14.2% in 2026 and 9% in 2027.
Traditional public schools will have limited state funding growth while losing $744 million in property tax revenue due to the effects of Senate Enrolled Act 1.
Making private school vouchers universal in 2027. Vouchers will increase by 10.1% in 2026 and 23.4% in 2027.
Decreasing the eligibility level for On My Way Pre-K from 150% of the federal poverty level to 135% of the federal poverty level. Fewer working families will be eligible to qualify for pre-K.
Cutting the budget for the Commission for Higher Education (CHE), reducing students’ scholarships.
Reducing the funding for the Health First Indiana program to $80 million, a $145 million cut from the 2023 biennial budget.
Increasing the funding for Real Alternatives, a scammy organization that preys on pregnant women. Real Alternatives postures as women's health clinics but in fact spreads misinformation and offers no privacy-protected medical care to women.
Putting the Indiana University Board of Trustees completely under the control of the governor by eliminating the alumni-elected trustee positions.
Defunding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program, which provides free, age-appropriate books to children from infancy to five.
Eliminating funding for Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) TV and radio.
No funding for trails or other quality of life projects.
The state budget is a blueprint of our priorities. This budget supports the wealthiest among us while leaving the populations that need state support the most out to dry.
It fails to acknowledge the daily reality that many in Indiana are facing: Can I afford the things I need today? This budget fails to put food on Hoosiers’ tables. It fails to help Hoosiers afford the rising cost of health care. It fails to provide for 90% of children who choose public K-12 education, instead prioritizing private school vouchers. This budget fails to help working Hoosiers get ahead.
Appreciating the legislative staff
This week was the last week of session, and I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge all of the people who do the behind-the-scenes work. From managing constituent correspondence, to helping me stay informed on critical issues, this staff helps me serve our community to the best of my ability. I am blessed to have such a wonderful team of hard working young Hoosiers!
Also, this week, I was excited to welcome back my former Legislative Assistant, Greg Buchanan. After doing great work for me for several years, he is now working on Capitol Hill as a Legislative Assistant for Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett from Texas. I am proud of all of his accomplishments, and I was glad that he stopped by on our last day of session!
Homebuyer Education Workshop
Tomorrow, April 26 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Central Indiana Realtist Association is holding a Homebuyer Education Workshop. The event will take place at Lady T’s Wedding and Event Venue (507 National Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46227). For additional information and to register, please visit https://awakentoday.org/.
Senior Living Symposium
The Financial Freedom Institute is holding a Senior Living Symposium on Saturday, May 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will be held at the Eastern Star Church located at 5730 E. 30th St., Indianapolis, IN 46218. Register before Sunday, April 27. Click here to register.