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The 2022 legislative session came to a close this week, and I am happy to see a number of important initiatives pass the General Assembly.
Automatic Taxpayer Refund
An additional 900,000 Hoosiers are now eligible for the state’s automatic taxpayer refund through Senate Enrolled Act 1. After hitting high reserve levels in 2021, $545 million will be returned to hardworking Hoosiers and $545 million will go to teacher pension obligations.
Responsibly End the Public Health Emergency
In conjunction with the governor, the General Assembly was able to safely end the public health emergency in Indiana by passing House Enrolled Act 1001. HEA 1001 ensures the state can continue receiving certain federal benefits and can hold voluntary community vaccination clinics as needed without further executive orders. This bill also includes important protections for employees of businesses that choose to institute a COVID-19 vaccine mandate, since most Hoosiers agree taking this vaccine should be a personal choice.
Fiscally Responsible Tax Cuts
House Enrolled Act 1002Â phases down Indiana’s income-tax rate to 2.9%, tied for the lowest rate in the nation, and could save Hoosier taxpayers up to $1 billion once fully implemented. This phased-in tax reduction is contingent on state revenue continuing to grow, ensuring we are continuing to practice fiscal responsibility. Hoosiers will also benefit from HEA 1002 repealing Indiana’s utility receipt tax in an effort to help combat rising utility costs. Lastly, this legislation pays down pension debt in order to keep our promises to retired Hoosier teachers.Â
In addition to these priorities, a number of my bills have also passed out of the General Assembly.
One of these is Senate Enrolled Act 353, which is an effort to improve home health services for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. SEA 353 will require home health aides of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia to complete approved training.
I am proud to have supported these efforts and believe these measures will continue to push Indiana in the right direction. |
