John,

 

Last week our state legislative session went into recess and I want to let you know how excited I am for Indiana’s next chapter. 

 

This past year was one of the most challenging years we’ve ever faced. But I can say with full confidence that Indiana’s future is bright –– and the balanced, historic, bipartisan budget we just passed makes our future even brighter.

 

While other states are tightening their belts and cutting budgets, we’re investing in communities, students, teachers, law enforcement, and Hoosiers like never before. It’s incredible, and it’s all happening for one simple reason:

 

Responsible, conservative fiscal management.

 

Because of the Hoosier Spirit that drives us, we’ve weathered the economic storm of COVID-19 and we’re firing on all cylinders once again –– beating expectations at every turn. 

 

Below, I’ll break down the impacts that this balanced budget will have on education, economic development, and my Next Level Agenda. Don’t forget to take the survey at the end to let me know what you’re most excited about!

 

EDUCATION

Unprecedented investments in Hoosier education are on the horizon with more than 50% of the budget’s general fund dedicated to K-12 education, which allows us to:

• Invest $1.9 billion in NEW money for K-12 education.

• Invest $1.03 billion in NEW money for K-12 tuition support.

• Expand the nation’s best school choice program.

• Increase teacher compensation

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

 

Indiana’s workforce saw a record number of job commitments last year despite the uncertainty of the pandemic. Under this budget, we’re working to break that record again by:

• Investing an additional $60 million in small business relief.

• Investing $500 million in the new Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative to spur regional cooperation. 

• Investing $10 million to help Hoosier manufacturers invest in new equipment and technologies.

MORE NEXT LEVEL AGENDA WINS

 

Thanks to the incredible cooperation of both parties in both houses, we were able to pass a number of transformational items from my Next Level Agenda, including:

• COVID liability protections for schools and businesses.
• Comprehensive law enforcement reform that provides body cameras for officers and reviews training protocols.
• Expanded broadband development.
• Pregnancy accommodations for expecting mothers in the workplace.
• Keeping telehealth services permanent making life easier for Hoosier patients and healthcare providers.

John, what we were able to accomplish in this legislative session is nothing short of amazing –– and I applaud all who worked together to make sure that Indiana will continue moving in the right direction for years to come.

 

Before you go, will you take our quick one-minute survey to let me know what part of the budget you’re most excited about?

Thank you,

Eric Holcomb