General Assembly Reconvenes for 2022 Session

This year, Indiana Senate Republicans are prioritizing returning money to Hoosier taxpayers, stabilizing school funding, and responsibly ending the public health emergency.

When Indiana closed out the fiscal year 2021, our state’s high reserves triggered an automatic taxpayer refund, which will send $545 million back to hardworking Hoosier taxpayers and $545 million to state pension obligations. Senate Bill 1would ensure more Hoosiers receive that refund by expanding the number of Hoosiers who qualify for it.

Next, Senate Bill 2 would ensure schools receive full funding for children who were considered virtual students during the fall of 2021 due to quarantine. State law dictates that schools receive 85% of the regular foundation funding amount for students who receive at least half of their education virtually. This legislation would provide schools full funding for those students who had to learn virtually due to COVID-19.

Finally, several issues need to be addressed through legislation in order for the public health emergency to be ended in Indiana. Senate Bill 3 would ensure Indiana can continue receiving certain federal benefits and hold voluntary community vaccination clinics. At present, those items are made possible through executive orders from the governor.

In addition to these bills, I am introducing legislation that would provide codified standards overseeing the art therapy industry. Senate Bill 317 would authorize the licensure, standards and requirements of professional art therapists and art therapist associates, and ensure art therapy reimbursements through Medicaid for participants receiving mental health services.

Also, it is important we improve home health services for those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Senate Bill 353, which I authored, would require home health aides to complete State Department of Heath approved Alzheimer’s and dementia training within 60 days and also after their second year of employment.

I look forward to working with my fellow members of the General Assembly to continue making Indiana a great place to live, work and raise a family. If you have any questions or concerns throughout the legislative session, feel free to contact me at Senator.Becker@iga.in.gov.