FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kellyn Harrison, Press Secretary
kellyn.harrison@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) made the following statement regarding the conclusion of the 2023 legislative session:
STATEHOUSE (May 3, 2023) – "This year, as a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Indiana State Budget Committee, I was in a unique position to ensure Hoosiers' hard-earned money was responsibly invested.
"This session, I supported a balanced budget that made historic investments in public safety and education, while also providing for multiple tax cuts – including essential property tax relief for homeowners – that will directly put money back into Hoosier pockets.
"This budget invests an impressive $101.3 million in helping Hoosier veterans and law enforcement, which achieves a caucus budget priority I spearheaded to increase the salaries of Indiana State Police and DNR conservation and excise officers. Additionally, almost $3 billion has been put toward new funding for K-12 education – a record investment for our state. This budget also provides $430 million in total tax savings for Hoosiers over the biennium, including an acceleration of the state's planned individual income tax cut to 2.9%, which will be fully implemented by 2027 instead of 2029.
"Aside from this session's historic budget, I authored Senate Enrolled Act 2 to promote small-business growth in Indiana and incentivize talent to move here from other states by providing Hoosier small businesses significant financial relief through a projected $112 million in federal tax savings in tax years 2022 and 2023.
"I also co-authored Senate Enrolled Act 3 to study the feasibility of ending Indiana's individual income tax and reforming property taxes for Hoosiers once the pre-1996 Teachers' Retirement Fund is aggressively paid off. At a time when Hoosiers are experiencing skyrocketing home values, property tax relief is essential, which is why I also strongly supported House Enrolled Act 1499 to restrict property tax growth and increase the supplemental homestead deduction. This is estimated to provide homeowners over $100 million in relief next year.
"I am extremely proud to see all of these efforts pass the General Assembly and I have no doubt they will continue to push our great state in the right direction. With the conclusion of the 2023 legislative session, I look forward to continue working for the Senate District 45 constituents who I was elected to serve."
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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.
Click here for more information on the 2024-2025 state budget.
