FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Molly Swigart, Communications Director
molly.swigart@iga.in.gov
317-232-9521
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 3, 2019) — Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) today announced Indiana Senate Republicans’ legislative priorities for the 2019 session.
“This session, my colleagues and I will be prioritizing efforts to maintain a balanced budget, protect our most vulnerable children, support education, improve school safety, and help Hoosiers find good jobs,” Bray said. “Given the revenue forecast and the budget needs of the Department of Child Services (DCS), there’s no question that we have many challenges before us. Nevertheless, Senate Republicans stand ready to do the hard work that needs to be done in order to advance the Hoosier state, and we look forward to the session ahead.”
In the 2019 legislative session, Senate Republicans will prioritize the following initiatives:
Maintain an honestly balanced budget
Like all hardworking Hoosiers that balance their checkbooks, Senate Republicans know that responsible government means making tough choices and spending within your means, and will work to pass a two-year state budget that funds priorities and protects reserves.
Protect vulnerable children
Due in part to the drug epidemic, DCS staff and resources are being stretched too thin when it comes to protecting children. Senate Republicans will support operational reforms and the appropriate level of new funding for DCS.
Support education
With more than half of the state’s General Fund devoted to K-12 education, Indiana spends a higher percentage of its budget on education than all but two other states. Senate Republicans will maintain that strong commitment to students, teachers and schools in the next budget.
Improve school safety
Protecting schools from violence takes vigilance on the part of every Hoosier. At the Statehouse, Senate Republicans will work on school-safety improvements based on the recommendations made to Gov. Holcomb last year, including allowing Secured School Safety Grants to be used for mental and behavioral health services.
Advance workforce development
To address Indiana’s long-term skills gap, the General Assembly has implemented many workforce-development reforms in recent years. In 2019, Senate Republicans will focus on changes to ensure our existing training programs result in meaningful career paths for all Hoosiers.
The General Assembly reconvened today for the 2019 legislative session, which is expected to run through April.
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For a high-resolution photo of Sen. Bray, click here.
