News Releases

Mishler: Senate Republicans propose balanced budget, increase for K-12 funding

STATEHOUSE (April 11, 2019) — Senate Republicans today announced their two-year state budget proposal, which is balanced, maintains strong reserves and includes a significant increase in funding for K-12 schools, said State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen), chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Senate Republicans’ amendment to the budget bill, House Bill 1001, increases K-12 funding by $775 million, including a $535 million increase in K-12 tuition support. It also includes a 50% increase in funding for the Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG) program, which is a program that allows the General Assembly to provide money directly to teachers. Under the Senate proposed budget, the TAG program would be funded at $90 million, a $30 million increase over the last state budget.

The Senate budget proposal also:

  • Makes available the full budget request of the Department of Child Services (DCS);
  • Increases funding for drug-treatment programs;
  • Creates a new fund to expand access to rural broadband;
  • Increases funding for Secured School Safety Grants;
  • Funds a new Indiana State Police (ISP) lab/post;
  • Fully funds the Medicaid forecast;
  • Increases funding for workforce development training programs; and
  • Provides money to ISP to fight internet crimes against children.

“I believe the budget the Senate put forward today is a strong reflection of what is important to Hoosiers,” Mishler said. “We have provided a robust increase for K-12 funding and TAGs, added a significant amount of new money for DCS, increased funding for school safety, and provided funding for rural broadband expansion all while maintaining a balanced budget with strong reserves that will protect us in the event of an economic downturn. I look forward to continuing budget discussions with my colleagues in the General Assembly as we work toward the close of this legislative session.”

More information on the Senate Republican budget proposal, including the chairman’s amendment, school funding formula simulation and committee presentation can be found at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/budget.

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For a high-resolution photo of Mishler, click here.