Here is more reaction to the end of the 2023 legislative session…

Sen. Ryan Mishler, Senate Appropriations Chairman

  •  “I am happy we were able to end session by passing a fiscally conservative, balanced budget. We invested almost $3 billion in new funding forK-12 education and eliminated fees for textbooks and curricular materials for families. We were also able to invest in the Pre-1996 Teachers’ Retirement Fund. Once these pension obligations are paid off, our state will be able to invest in other opportunities for Indiana residents. “I am also pleased with the funding allocated to boost economic development throughout the state. These appropriations included $500 million over the biennium for the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 2.0 and $150 million for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation site acquisition in fiscal year 2024. The funding for these projects will ultimately help Indiana expand and grow, creating jobs to attract new families to Indiana. Overall, our budget maintained healthy reserves to ensure Hoosiers will be protected in upcoming years. We had a good session, and I look forward to continue working with my colleagues on legislation that will positively impact communities throughout the state.”

Steven McCaffrey, Mental Health Association of America

  • As a result of the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission’s recommendations, the Indiana General Assembly passed SEA 1 and HEA 1006, enabling the creation of a new model of service provision.  This includes the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs), a 988 Crisis Service continuum, and the ability to provide treatment in lieu of incarceration. Mental health advocates owe a debt of thanks to Senator Mike Crider, Representative Ann Vermilion, Representative Greg Steuerwald, and many others as well.

Kyle Hupfer, Indiana Republican Party Chairman

  • “Last November, Hoosiers overwhelmingly sent Republicans back to the statehouse to deliver results for them. And that’s exactly what they’ve done, again.  Governor Holcomb and the Republican-led legislature took bold action this session that will undoubtedly continue to strengthen the Hoosier State. That includes passing another honestly balanced budget that cuts taxes, increases pay for state police, invests in our schools, students, and teachers, supports improved health outcomes, builds stronger communities, and much more. It’s this focus on delivering results — not rhetoric for headlines — that continues to drive our momentum forward and makes Indiana one of the best states to live, work, and build a future.”

Betsy Wiley, President & CEO, Institute for Quality Education (IQE):

  • “With passage of a new, two-year budget, Indiana now offers more educational freedom and choice to students and families than any state in the country. By expanding financial eligibility for Indiana’s Choice Scholarship Program (commonly referred to as ‘vouchers’) and removing the eligibility pathways, Indiana’s voucher program is now practically universal and available to every Hoosier student. Making private-school choice available to Hoosier families combined with a robust public charter school landscape and district-to-district public-school transfers means any child in Indiana now can attend a school that best meets their needs. Barriers have been removed, parents empowered, and students have the opportunity to excel in a variety of learning environments.