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IN budget going to governor for signature

The Indiana General Assembly adopted a two year, $30 billion budget, one Republicans say contains the largest tax cut in state history. However, Democrats say the tax cut is an illusion.

The budget bill contains significant increases in both education and roads funding.  Money for K through 12 schools grows by 2% in the first year and 1% the second, while also including $30 million in performance funding the second year.  Roads dollars are boosted by $215 million in each year of the budget, split between the state and local governments.  And the budget contains more than $1 billion in tax cuts over three years, including a 5% income tax cut, elimination of the inheritance tax and continued reduction of the corporate tax.  House budget author Tim Brown (R-Crawfordsville) says it does all that while maintaining fiscal integrity.

“We’re paying off bonds.  We’re having a structural surplus and we’re having reserves in the bank at about 12.5 percent so we that can be prepared for the future.”

But Representative Greg Porter (D-Indianapolis) says the budget is woefully inadequate.

“A budget, from our perspective, with no job creation, doesn’t grow the middle class, doesn’t fund public education adequately.”

Governor Mike Pence praised the budget as one that successfully limits spending while saving for the future and providing tax cuts to Hoosiers.  

Brandon Smith is excited to be working for public radio in Indiana. He has previously worked in public radio as a reporter and anchor in mid-Missouri for KBIA Radio out of Columbia. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, Illinois as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, Missouri, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.
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