FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Molly Swigart, Communications Director
molly.swigart@iga.in.gov
317-232-9521
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 8, 2025) – Indiana Senate Republicans today detailed a caucus agenda aimed at property tax reform, containing Medicaid costs, lowering health care costs, responsible management of water resources and fiscal integrity and contract accountability.
"In addition to a responsibly balanced state budget, our agenda is focused on lowering property taxes and good-government measures," said Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville). "Though Indiana has one of the lowest property tax burdens in the country, we know Hoosiers are feeling the sting of rising property tax bills. We stand ready to collaborate with Gov.-elect Braun and our counterparts in the House to pass meaningful property tax reform. In addition, we will be pursuing several good-government measures to ensure Hoosier taxpayer dollars are being invested responsibly and with transparency and are again this year pursuing policies to lower health care costs."
Enact meaningful property tax reform
Senate Bill 1, authored by State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle)
WHAT: Collaborate with the House of Representatives and Gov.-elect Braun to pass meaningful property tax reform
WHY: Even though Indiana has some of the lowest property taxes in the country, Hoosiers are justifiably frustrated by the year-over-year increases in recent years. Senate Republicans will strive to balance relief for Hoosier taxpayers with the budget needs of schools and local governments.
Contain Medicaid costs and prevent fraud
Senate Bill 2, authored by State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka)
WHAT: Implement better controls on Medicaid eligibility and reform the Healthy Indiana Plan to encourage personal responsibility
WHY: Indiana's Medicaid program is growing at unsustainable rates. Reforms must be made to ensure Indiana can continue to provide coverage for the Hoosiers who need it most.
Lower health care costs
Senate Bill 3, authored by State Sen. Justin Busch (R-Fort Wayne)
WHAT: Require health plan intermediaries to act in the best financial interest of their clients – the employers who sponsor health insurance for Hoosier workers
WHY: Employers who pay for their employees' health care should be able to trust that the health plan intermediary they work with is acting in their best financial interest – not the best interest of the intermediary.
Responsible management of water resources
Senate Bill 4, authored by State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford)
WHAT: Require a permit for basin-to-basin water transfers and other large long-distance water pipeline projects
WHY: Indiana is blessed with abundant water resources, but as our state continues to experience record investment, we need to ensure our resources are being managed responsibly so Hoosiers continue to have the access they need.
Fiscal integrity and contract accountability
Senate Bill 5, authored by State Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-Noblesville)
WHAT: Improve fiscal oversight to protect taxpayer dollars
WHY: When the government awards large contracts with taxpayer dollars, Hoosiers expect results. SB 5 would ensure alignment with legislative intent and result in improved management of public funds.
The Indiana General Assembly reconvened for the 2025 legislative session Jan. 8 and must conclude by April 29. Visit iga.in.gov to view livestreams and archive videos of session and committee meetings, view legislative calendars, review legislation and more.
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