State Sen. Vaneta Becker (R-Evansville) announced today’s passage of Indiana’s next two-year budget and the conclusion of the 2015 legislative session.
Becker said a major accomplishment for Southwest Indiana is $25.2 million allocated in this year’s budget directed to the Evansville Multi-Institutional Health and Sciences Center, with $19.2 million going to Indiana University School of Medicine located in downtown Evansville and $6 million going to the University of Southern Indiana. The University of Evansville will also be collaborating with the state on this project and will provide $6 million.
The biennial budget passed today also includes no tax increases and prioritizes education funding with a $474 million increase for K-12 schools. The budget bill, House Enrolled Act 1001, now awaits the governor’s consideration.
In addition to the budget, Becker pointed out noteworthy bills she authored that passed during the 2015 legislative session:
- Senate Enrolled Act 370Â designates the Republic Aviation P-47 Thunderbolt, produced in Evansville during World War II and commonly known as the “Indiana Warbird,” the official state aircraft of Indiana.
- Senate Enrolled Act 123Â permits the establishment of a new Indiana University School of Medicine in downtown Evansville.
- Senate Enrolled Act 464Â increases mental health and addiction treatment for criminal offenders to address the root causes of crime.
“The General Assembly passed many important initiatives to benefit all Hoosiers, and I’m particularly proud of those measures that will help improve health care and education, as well as recognize important state history in Southwest Indiana and around the state,†Becker said. “It has been a productive session focused on crafting a budget that allocates money to the areas of greatest need such as our classrooms, both K-12 and higher education.â€
The Senate is now adjourned “sine dieâ€â€” which signifies the end of the 2015 Indiana General Assembly.
