News Releases

Mishler: Senate Republicans propose balanced budget, increase for K-12 funding, state debt reduction

STATEHOUSE (April 8, 2021) — Senate Republicans today announced their two-year state budget proposal, which is balanced, provides historic support for education, and cuts half a billion dollars in debt, said State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen), chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

The Senate Republican amendment to the budget bill, House Bill 1001, includes $875 million in additional dollars for K-12 funding, makes one-time investments to produce long-term financial benefits for the state, and increases funding for mental health and law enforcement.

The Senate budget proposal also includes funding to:

  • Buy down the TRF pre-96 pension fund;
  • Create the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI);
  • Provide Small Business Restart Grants for businesses affected by the pandemic;
  • Address student learning loss due to the pandemic;
  • Expand broadband access;
  • Invest in mental health support and grants to improve Hoosiers' health;
  • Increase opportunities for parental school choice;
  • Increase special education funding;
  • Provide a pay raise for the Indiana State Police (ISP);
  • Establish the High Tech Crimes Unit and provide funding for ISP to fight internet crimes against children; and
  • Provide body cameras for the ISP and local law enforcement agencies. 

"The Senate Republican budget includes another historic increase in K-12 funding, which comes on top of the $3 billion in federal money our schools are already receiving," Mishler said. "In addition to this significant infusion of dollars into K-12, we are able to reduce state government debt and make one-time investments that accelerate economic development while maintaining a balanced budget with strong reserves. I look forward to continuing budget discussions with my colleagues in the General Assembly and the governor as we work toward the close of this legislative session.”

More information on the Senate Republican budget proposal, including the chairman’s amendment, school funding formula simulation and committee presentation can be found at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/budget.

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For a high-resolution photo of Mishler, click here.