STATEHOUSE (April 5, 2017) — Legislation authored by State Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Buck Creek) that will give Hoosiers the opportunity to vote on a balanced budget amendment to Indiana’s Constitution passed the General Assembly this week.
Senate Joint Resolution 7, a proposed balanced budget amendment to the Indiana Constitution, would prohibit state spending from exceeding state revenue unless two-thirds of the General Assembly deems it necessary to use emergency spending measures.
The resolution also requires Indiana’s public pension funds to be actuarially funded, which protects teachers and prevents court-ordered tax increases without approval from the General Assembly.
“Indiana has become a national leader in fiscal responsibility, and a balanced budget is vital to the long-term success of our economy,” Hershman said. “Though Indiana has exercised fiscal discipline in the past, which has helped lead to record levels of employment, a AAA bond rating and historic investments in education and infrastructure, amending our constitution to include this balanced budget requirement will protect future generations of taxpayers and maintain our state’s fiscal strength for years to come. I believe Hoosiers will vote in favor of amending these principles into our Constitution.”
SJR 7 will be considered by Hoosier voters as a ballot issue in the 2018 General Election. If approved by voters, the language in SJR 7 will become an official amendment to Indiana’s Constitution.
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For a photo of Sen. Hershman, click here.
Contact: Molly Swigart, Press Secretary
molly.swigart@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
