Shackleford votes ‘no’ on state budget: ‘Public health cuts are dangerous, irresponsible’

Today, State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) voted against House Bill 1001, Indiana’s biennial budget, citing devastating cuts to public health funding, increased financial burdens on local taxpayers, and misplaced fiscal priorities that endanger the most vulnerable Hoosiers.

“This budget turns its back on Indiana’s most vulnerable people and our public health infrastructure at a time when we need investment the most,” Shackleford said. “It slashes vital services, shifts costs onto local communities, and disproportionately harms low-income and minority Hoosiers. That is not responsible governance. It’s negligence.”

The final version of HB 1001 cuts state funding for the Health First program to just $40 million annually, despite overwhelming need. This reduction endangers critical initiatives like maternal and infant health services, addiction treatment, childhood vaccinations, and preventative care. The budget also eliminates $76 million in funding for the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County (HHC)—a devastating blow to health care access in Indianapolis.

“These cuts come as Indiana continues to rank among the worst states for maternal mortality, infant mortality and smoking,” Shackleford said. “Now is the time to strengthen our health systems, not gut them.”

Rather than provide sustainable state funding, the budget forces the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County to raise an additional $31 million per year through local property taxes, shifting the burden onto homeowners and renters. Local governments in Marion County and throughout the state are left with a grim choice: either raise taxes or cut back on essential health services.

“This budget offloads the state’s responsibility onto counties, making individual homeowners and renters pay more for less,” Shackleford said. “It’s a lose-lose for our communities.”

Shackleford also criticized the budget’s misaligned priorities and noted that the consequences of this budget will fall hardest on marginalized communities.

“While we’re seeing cuts to public health, other areas, most notably business tax incentives, are seeing increases. That’s not fiscal responsibility. That’s short-sighted budgeting that will cost us more down the line in emergency care and lost productivity.

“This budget is a direct threat to equity. Urban areas like Indianapolis, where health disparities are already too high, will suffer the most. It’s our duty to protect every Hoosier’s right to health care—not undermine it.”