Nearly 100 Hoosiers gathered at the Indiana Statehouse to voice their concerns about Gov. Mike Braun’s budget proposal, which aimed to cut funding for various programs in order to provide state tax relief. Testimony from advocates for education, conservation efforts, military base infrastructure, and veterans’ affairs lasted six hours before the House Ways and Means Committee.
Advocates spoke out against cuts to programs such as dual-language classrooms, juvenile recidivism prevention, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, and the direct flights program. Some proposed solutions to generate revenue, such as increasing taxes on cigarettes and alcohol purchases to fund mental health shortfalls.
Several groups highlighted the need to increase funding for the Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust Fund and trails, emphasizing the economic benefits and quality of life improvements that come from investing in outdoor programming. Advocates also called for a new military base infrastructure grant program to address aging infrastructure at Indiana military bases.
Overall, advocates urged lawmakers to prioritize funding for essential programs and services in the state budget, emphasizing the importance of putting the needs of Hoosiers first.
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