By State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper)
Over the last four years, Medicaid costs in Indiana have increased by $5 billion, impacting our state's budget and taking money away from other important initiatives like K-12 education.
This year, my Senate colleagues and I are prioritizing reforming the state's welfare programs, like Medicaid and SNAP, to root out waste, fraud and abuse in the programs.
Senate Bill 1 would prevent illegal immigrants from claiming benefits and update state law to comply with new federal Medicaid reforms, including work requirements for able-bodied, working-age adults.
Indiana's welfare programs exist to help those who need assistance, and Senate Bill 1 would ensure the programs are more financially responsible while still helping those who truly need the programs.
We are also working to protect Hoosiers by holding dangerous suspects in jail without bail.
Senate Joint Resolution 1 seeks to amend our state's constitution to allow judges to deny bail if a suspect clearly poses a substantial risk to any other person. If this resolution passes, it would go before voters in this fall's general election.
The 2026 session is also expected to end ahead of time and under budget, and the General Assembly has no plans to reopen the state's current budget. Indiana's next budget will be discussed and debated in 2027, and I believe major financial decisions should be made during budget sessions.
As always, constituents can reach out to me with any questions or concerns by email at s48@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) represents Senate District 48,
which includes Crawford, Dubois, Gibson, Perry, Pike and Spencer counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
