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Garten's government accountability bill returns more than $40 million to Indiana's General Fund

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lance Gideon, Senior Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221

Garten's government accountability bill returns more than $40 million to Indiana's General Fund

STATEHOUSE (July 18, 2025) — A law authored by State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) during the 2024 legislative session is starting to positively impact the state by reverting more than $40 million of previously unused money back to Indiana's General Fund.

Senate Enrolled Act 4 (2024) created a process to identify and revert unspent state dollars, helping ensure taxpayer money is used efficiently. As a result of this measure, $17.2 million was returned to the State General Fund Working Balance and $23 million was returned to the Medicaid Contingency & Reserve account.

"As an elected official, I believe it is my duty to be a good steward of taxpayer money, no matter the amount," Garten said. "Indiana is one of the most fiscally responsible states in the nation after years of conservative leadership, and I am pleased to see the unused funds reverted back to the General Fund so taxpayer money isn't just sitting somewhere collecting dust."

In recent years, Garten has led several key legislative initiatives aimed at improving government efficiency and safeguarding taxpayer dollars. His efforts include:

  • Legislation requiring state pension funds to divest from entities controlled by the Chinese Communist Party;
  • A measure to rein in Medicaid spending to help preserve the program for those who truly need it; and
  • A law limiting emergency declarations to 60 days unless extended by the General Assembly.

Garten will also serve as the chair of the Government Reform Task Force this year as the General Assembly prepares for the 2026 legislative session.

"Taxpayers deserve a government that operates efficiently to ensure Hoosiers' hard-earned money is being put to good use," Garten said. "I am glad to see many of the efforts I have spearheaded in recent years put into place so government can operate even better."

Sen. Garten can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Garten or by phone at 800-382-9467.

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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.