FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kellyn Harrison, Press Secretary
Kellyn.Harrison@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 23, 2024) — A Senate Republican agenda bill authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) that would ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars unanimously passed the Senate Tuesday, Jan. 23.
Senate Bill 4 would establish an ongoing process to review and return unused state government funds to the General Fund and enable state agencies to lower or eliminate fines and fees faster.
"Years of conservative fiscal leadership have made and kept Indiana one of the most economically competitive and responsible states in the nation, and lawmakers are still working to identify and consider long-term ways to keep more money in Hoosiers' pockets," Garten said. "By adopting this policy, the state could put tax dollars to better use and generate even more long-term savings going forward."
Under SB 4, the State Budget Agency (SBA) would prepare a report that identifies the balance of dedicated funds that have not been used in the prior two years and makes recommendations from the state budget director. The General Assembly would then have the opportunity to make changes regarding these unused funds. Money still left unused at the end of the fiscal year would revert to the state's General Fund.
Preliminary estimates show this process could make up about $40 million in unused funds available during the first review cycle. These numbers could change, but about $23 million of that total would be transferred to help Indiana's Medicaid shortfall in this fiscal year and nearly $20 million would revert to the General Fund in 2025.
"A personal legislative priority of mine has continuously been 'good government' – cutting waste where there is waste and holding our government accountable for how it uses taxpayer dollars," Garten said. "Hoosier taxpayers give their hard-earned money to the state, and it is our duty as elected officials to always strive to be good stewards of taxpayer money, no matter how small or large the amount."
SB 4 would also streamline the process for all agencies to cut or eliminate fees and fines through interim rules, which takes far less time to adopt than the full rulemaking process and help keep more money in Hoosiers' pockets.
This language, which was created in partnership with the SBA, is a direct result of recommendations the Government Reform Task Force made during the 2023 interim. Garten chaired the task force to zero in on another way Indiana can yet again demonstrate its fiscal responsibility for Hoosier taxpayers.
SB 4 will now move to the Indiana House of Representatives for further consideration. To learn more about this bill and other legislation Garten is authoring this legislative session, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) represents Senate District 45,
which includes Clark County and portions of Floyd County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
