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Dear Neighbor,
Welcome to The Gore Report, my newsletter, where I will provide legislative and community updates for you as your state representative for House District 89. Please reach out to my office at [email protected] [ mailto:[email protected] ] if you have any questions or concerns or thoughts on what you’d like to see in this newsletter.
2025 Committee Assignments
I’m excited to announce my committee appointments for this session. In 2025, I will serve as the Ranking Minority Member for the committee on Courts and Criminal Code. As RMM of this committee, I will work to ensure the safety of Indiana residents and that our criminal justice system serves all Hoosiers impartially. I will also serve on the committee on Employment, Labor and Pensions to fight for the interests of the working class. Last but not least, I will serve on the committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety, where I look forward to supporting the well-being of our brave Hoosier veterans.
The topics brought before these committees impact the everyday lives of my constituents and Indiana residents across the state. My goal as a member of these committees is to ensure they’re efficient, well-informed, and helpful to the average Hoosier. I’m ready to get to work in January!
FSSA announces waitlist for child care, pre-k vouchers
Earlier this month, the Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced a waitlist for the Indiana Childcare Development Fund and On My Way Pre-K voucher programs, effective immediately. New applicants will automatically be put on the waitlist until further notice due to all federal childcare funds being maximized in the state of Indiana.
As we head into a budget session, it is crucial that we do all we can to allocate funds to affordable, high-quality childcare. Currently, Indiana is ranked worst in the nation for access to childcare, and no county in the state is currently meeting the criteria for adequate access to care.
Access to childcare helps countless Hoosier parents get back in the workforce to provide for their growing families, and we as lawmakers have an obligation to create – and fund – as many pathways as we can to these programs.
This session, I will be doing whatever we can to allocate funds specifically for childcare. I echo the calls for the majority party to fulfill their obligation to Hoosiers to address this issue.
Learn more about the waitlist on the FSSA website here [ [link removed] ].
Energy Assistance Program
The colder weather can bring struggles to keep up with higher electricity bills to keep your house warm and the lights on longer. The Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA) offers the Energy Assistance Program (EAP) for those struggling to afford high energy costs. This program can also help if your power is disconnected or about to be disconnected. The EAP is a one-time annual benefit paid directly to the utility vendor for applicants who meet certain income requirements. Applications for 2025 are open now until April. For more details on the program, eligibility and application visit the IHCDA website [ [link removed] ] today.
Don’t forget! Seniors qualify for property tax savings.
Even though we’re well past property tax season, I wanted to remind our seniors of the savings and deductions they can take advantage of in the future. Across the state, property valuations have risen and resulted in increased property tax bills for homeowners. Relief is available to seniors over the age of 65 who can apply for property tax breaks.
Over 65 Property Tax Deduction
Here in Marion County, any person over the age of 65 who owns real estate is entitled to a property tax deduction. Seniors can receive a deduction in assessed value of $14,000 or half the assessed value, whichever is less. Here’s a list of the qualifications:
You turned 65 or older by December 31 of the prior year.
You can also receive the deduction if your spouse was 65 or older at the time of death. You must be 60 or older and have not remarried.
You own or have been paying on a recorded contract for at least one year.
You live in the property as your primary residence.
You and your spouse have a combined maximum adjusted gross income of $44,871.36 or if single, $33,653.52 for the prior year. These income amounts include that of your spouse and all others who own or pay rent on the property.
The assessed property value of your home is $240,000 or less.
You receive no other property tax deductions except the homestead standard and supplemental deductions and the fertilizer storage deduction.
Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit
The Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit limits how much your taxes will increase each year. With this credit, your taxes will increase no more than 2% each year. Here’s a list of the qualifications:
You turned 65 or older by December 31 of the prior year.
You have qualified for the homestead standard deduction on the same property this year and last year.
You have an adjusted gross income of $33,653.52 or less, or a combined adjusted gross income with your spouse of $44,871.36 or less.
The gross assessed property value is $240,000 (if you have applied for this deduction on or after December 31, 2022) or less on the homestead portion of the property. You can find the value of the homestead portion of your property on your tax bill or property record card.
You own, are buying on a recorded contract, or have a beneficial interest in the property.
Applications for both the Over 65 Property Tax Deduction and Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit must be submitted no later than Jan 15.
To apply, contact the Marion County auditor at (317)-327-4646. The auditor’s office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and they’re located in Suite 841 of the the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St. Indianapolis, IN 46204. A link to the Marion County auditor’s website is available here [ [link removed] ]. You can also visit the Department of Local Government Finance’s website [ [link removed] ] for more information and documentation on property tax deductions.
I hope senior homeowners in House District 89 take advantage of these resources!
Indiana reimplements waitlists for two child care voucher programs for first time since 2018
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Indy: Decreased youth violence despite recent crime
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It’s official: Indiana students will have new graduation requirements
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Teachers union asks Indiana lawmakers to improve pay and conditions
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Find help with rent, utility bills, food and clothes this winter
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