INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill into law Friday aimed at providing Hoosiers relief from inflation.
Senate Bill 2 will give Hoosier taxpayers a $200 refund and will allow Hoosiers who didn't file taxes to claim the credit on next year's taxes.
The taxpayer refund was originally proposed by Holcomb in June. He wanted to give taxpayers a $225 refund using about $1 billion of the state's $6 billion reserves.
He called a special session for legislatures to take action on his proposal starting July 6.
The bill will also put $1 billion toward the state's teacher pension fund.
Senate Bill 2 also caps the state's gas tax at $0.29 through the end of June 2023 and provides a sales tax exemption for children's diapers.
The bill also creates the Hoosier Families First Fund with $45 million. This aims to provide social services for expecting mothers.
“The exemplary teamwork and seriousness of purpose put into each element of SEA 2 is a testament to the elected leaders who helped shape it," Holcomb said in a statement. "I would like to thank Senator Travis Holdman, Chairman Doc Brown, and Representative Sharon Negele and the many other members from both sides of the aisle who contributed to the strength of the final product."
State Sen. Fady Qaddoura, D-Indianapolis, said while he made an amendment to fund other areas, like K-12 education and maternal health, he voted for the bill to provide some help to Hoosiers.
"While I'm disappointed that my proposals were voted down by the Republicans, I'm proud to always champion real solutions to chronic challenges impacting Hoosier families. I will always prioritize Hoosiers' best interest at the heart of every piece of legislation," Qaddoura said in a statement.
House Speak State Rep. Todd Huston, R-Fishers, said House lawmakers "did what's right by taxpayers" to pass the bill.
"Our state's economy continues to outperform expectations, and we’ve shown that we can pay down debt, make critical investments, and responsibly return tax dollars to hard-working Hoosiers," Huston said. "We look forward to continuing this positive momentum as we head into the next legislative session in January."
-
5 people, including firefighter, injured in apartment fire in Connersville
Five people, including a firefighter, were injured in an apartment fire in Connersville early Sunday morning.
W.A.Y.S. uses theme of empathy to encourage youth to engage in community service
W.A.Y.S., an organization with a focus on youth mental health, hosted a fundraiser on Sunday to promote their theme of empathy. Over past few weeks, kids volunteered at several local organizations.
Motorcyclist dies in crash on Indy's south side
A motorcyclist is dead after a crash with a vehicle on the south side of Indianapolis Sunday. Police said the driver of the vehicle stayed on scene.
Richardson returns to lead Colts past Jets
Time and time again Sunday against the Jets, Richardson was able to make the kind of plays that showed why he’s back as Indy’s starting quarterback
