Last week, the Indiana General Assembly reconvened for the 2022 legislative session. 

Senator Stacy Donato said, “This year, Indiana Senate Republicans are prioritizing returning money to Hoosier taxpayers, stabilizing school funding and responsibly ending the public health emergency.” 

In a news release the senator said, “When Indiana closed out fiscal year 2021, our state’s high reserves triggered an automatic taxpayer refund, which will send $545 million back to hardworking Hoosier taxpayers and $545 million to state pension obligations. Senate Bill 1 would ensure more Hoosiers receive that refund by expanding the number of Hoosiers who qualify for it.”

The Senator also highlighted, Senate Bill 2 and said, “It would ensure schools receive full funding for children who were considered virtual students during the fall of 2021 due to quarantine. State law dictates that schools receive 85% of the regular foundation funding amount for students who receive at least half of their education virtually. This legislation would provide schools full funding for those students who had to learn virtually due to COVID-19.”

Senator Donato said several issues need to be addressed through legislation in order for the public health emergency to be ended in Indiana. Senate Bill 3 would ensure Indiana can continue receiving certain federal benefits and hold voluntary community vaccination clinics. At present, those items are made possible through executive orders from the governor.

Donato discussed the two bills she is introducing: Senate Bill 226 and Senate Bill 112. SB 226 would decrease the number of practice hours required to obtain a license as a marriage and family therapist. SB 112 would add a member to the Medicaid advisory committee that represents the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Indiana Chapter.

Closing out her press release, Senator Donato said, “I look forward to working with my fellow members of the General Assembly to continue making Indiana a great place to live, work and raise a family. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the legislative session, feel free to contact me at Senator.Donato@iga.in.gov.”