State budget seizes the day with massive investment in education

INDIANAPOLIS—Gov. Eric Holcomb and state legislative leaders on Tuesday announced a final version of the state budget for the next two years, which includes increased funding for teacher pay, broadband and mental health.

“I think we’re living in a rare time,” Holcomb said. “We’re going to seize the day.”

Last week after the General Assembly learned of the revenue forecast that brought in $2 billion more than expected, the budget proposal was adjusted to make use of that extra money.

Rep. Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, said he expected recovery after this past year in which the state had to use some of its financial reserves due to pandemic-related shortfalls in revenue.

“We are looking at a very different picture now than we were last year,” GiaQuinta said in a statement. “Indiana House Democrats expect this to be addressed in the budget with more support allotted to our local public schools, early childhood education, food banks, and public and mental health initiatives.”

Read more: http://thestatehousefile.com/44980/state-budget-seizes-the-day-with-massive-investment-in-education/