While many important issues were debated during the 2015 legislative session, the state’s biennial budget was a primary focus the past four months at the Statehouse. The enacted budget is balanced and focused on funding Indiana’s most important needs, creating a strong foundation for our economic future.
State Senator Randy Head recently highlighted a couple of the top budget priorities. He said, “More than 60 percent of the budget is dedicated to education.” The approved budget increases K-12 funding by $474 million, increases total university funds by $212 million over the biennium, including one-time funding of $25 million for repair and maintenance at all regional campuses.
Senator Head commented, “The budget is balanced and focused on maintaining healthy reserves.” He noted ongoing revenues exceed ongoing expenditures and they will end the biennium with $1.85 billion in reserves.
“The budget places an emphasis on public safety,” according to Head. It provides community corrections funding of $116 million over the biennium and increases funding for offender mental health and addiction treatment by $30 million over the biennium.
Finally the Senator said, “The budget prioritizes efforts to strengthen economic development opportunities in Indiana.” $200 million was designated for Major Moves 2020 highway projects. It also provides funding for a statewide “Launch Indiana” program for aspiring Hoosier entrepreneurs and maintains a $100 million per year increase in funding for local roads.
