FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kellyn Harrison, Press Secretary
Kellyn.Harrison@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
Garten to carry priority bill for Senate Republicans
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 11, 2024) — State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) is spearheading a Senate Republican priority bill during the 2024 legislative session to ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
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.
"It's no secret that a personal legislative priority of mine has simply 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, so we owe it to them to put those dollars to good use. If we have money sitting in some ignored fund, going unused, we are not being the best possible stewards of Hoosiers' tax dollars and that does not sit right with Senate Republicans."
Under SB 4, the State Budget Agency 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 report would be submitted to the General Assembly in the fall before each budget session. The General Assembly would then have the opportunity during the session to make changes regarding unused funds. Money still left unused at the end of the fiscal year would revert to the State General Fund.
"Our best estimate right now is Senate Bill 4 would free up about $40 million in unused funds during the first review cycle," Garten said. "Obviously, these numbers could change, but about $23 million of that total would be transferred to help our Medicaid shortfall in this fiscal year and nearly $20 million would revert to the General Fund in 2025. By using an ongoing review and return process, the long-term savings will be even greater, and the state can continuously put tax dollars to good use."
Garten recently had the privilege of chairing the Government Reform Task Force during the 2023 interim to zero in on another way that Indiana can yet again demonstrate its fiscal responsibility for Hoosier taxpayers. SB 4 is a direct result of this, which was created in partnership with the State Budget Agency.
"While the ongoing review process is the biggest piece of this bill, it also contains some other recommendations from the 'Good Government Reform Task Force'," Garten said. "This includes streamlining 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."
The Indiana General Assembly reconvened for session on Jan. 8 and must conclude legislative business on or before March 15. Committee hearings, legislative calendars, agendas, vote tallies and proposed legislation can be viewed online by visiting iga.in.gov.
For more information about the Senate Republicans' 2024 legislative priorities, visit www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/News-Releases.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) introduces Senate Bill 4, a Senate Republican priority bill for the 2024 legislative session, during a press conference in the Senate Chamber Thursday, Jan. 11. The bill, which Garten is authoring, would better ensure responsible use of taxpayer dollars and improve government accountability.
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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.
