Lawmakers came to an agreement on Indiana's budget for the next two years. Here's how it will impact Hoosiers.
Lawmakers in the House and Senate originally had major differences in how they thought the budget should be written.
Republicans had an extra $1.5 billion to spend after the State Budget Agency released an updated state revenue forecast.House Bill 1002, which expands voucher eligibility, was approved in the budget. This means the income threshold to qualify for vouchers will be expanded. Under the new budget, a family of four can make up to $220,000 a year and still qualify for a voucher. Currently, the income threshold for vouchers is cut off at an income of $166,500.
Traditionally, voucher programs are meant to give low-income families extra support when it comes to tuition and other school related costs.Democrats call the expansion of vouchers “despicable,” while Republicans say it will improve the state’s education system. One aspect of the budget that Democrats do support is getting rid of textbook fees. There is a separate line item in the budget that will eliminate the cost of textbooks from both parents and schools.Right now, Hoosiers pay a 3.5% income tax. That will be reduced to 2.9% by 2027, two years earlier than the initial plan.The budget also approves Senate Bill 1, which gives $100 million to fund mental health programs over the next two years.
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