House Democrats on the final budget: ‘Handouts for the wealthy instead of a hand up for working families’

Today, April 25, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the budget to the governor’s desk. House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) and Ranking Minority Member of the House Ways and Means Committee State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) voted against the bill. 

“This year’s Republican budget is a bad deal for working people, plain and simple,” GiaQuinta said. “The budget prioritizes the growth of private school vouchers and charter schools over traditional public schools. It reduces the number of Hoosiers able to qualify for On My Way Pre-K. It cuts public health funding, even though research has shown that the program paid for itself in improved health outcomes during its first eight months. It eliminates other beloved programs, like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and PBS funding. The economy is teetering on the edge of a crisis thanks to President Trump’s tariffs. This GOP budget does nothing to shield hard-working Hoosiers from a potential recession.”

“For Hoosiers’ sake, I hope the economy improves because working and middle-class families will bear the brunt of these cuts,” Porter said. “We’re up against a deficit, but this budget prioritizes the wrong things. The wealthy are getting handouts instead of the average Hoosier getting a hand up. The proof is in the pudding. Prioritizing universal vouchers while defunding local public health speaks for itself. My biggest worry is for our public schools and how they’ll stay afloat. They’re getting a minimal increase but will be hit with massive property tax losses. Republicans have not looked out for working Hoosiers and their families this legislative session.” 

House Democrats' concerns with the budget include:

• Traditional public school funding increases by only 3.3% in 2026 and 1.6%  in 2027, which doesn't keep up with inflation. This number is also inflated given the fact that $160 million that must be used for textbook costs is included in the so-called funding increase.

• Education experiments, however, receive a larger-than-inflation funding increase.

• Brick-and-mortar charters will receive a 4.8% increase in 2026 and a 3.7% increase in 2027 and virtual charters will increase by 14.2% in 2026 and 9% in 2027.

• Traditional public schools will have limited state funding growth while losing $744 million in property tax revenue due to the effects of Senate Enrolled Act 1. 

• Private school vouchers will become universal in 2027. Vouchers will increase by 10.1% in 2026 and 23.4% in 2027. 

• Decreasing the eligibility level for On My Way Pre-K from 150% of the federal poverty level to 135% of the federal poverty level. Fewer working families will be eligible to qualify for pre-K. 

• Cutting the budget for the Commission for Higher Education (CHE), reducing students’ scholarships. 

• Reducing the funding for the Health First Indiana program to $80 million, a $145 million cut from the 2023 biennial budget. 

• Increasing the funding for Real Alternatives, a scammy organization that preys on pregnant women. Real Alternatives poses as women's health clinics but in fact spreads misinformation and offers no privacy-protected medical care to women.

• Putting the Indiana University Board of Trustees completely under the control of the governor by eliminating the alumni-elected trustee positions. 

• Defunding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Program, which provides free, age-appropriate books to children from infancy to five. 

• Eliminating funding for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) TV and radio. 

• No funding for trails or other quality of life projects. 

Garcia Wilburn votes ‘no’ on inefficient budget that cuts public health, early learning

Today, April 25, the House of Representatives passed a final version of House Bill 1001, the two-year state budget. State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) voted 'no' on the budget out of a concern for public school, public health and early learning funding and a belief that budget writers could produce a better budget to shield Hoosier families during uncertain economic times.

Specifically, HB 1001:

1. Increases traditional public school funding by only 3.3% in 2026 and 1.6%  in 2027, while brick-and-mortar charters receive a 4.8% increase in 2026 and a 3.7% increase in 2027. Traditional public schools will have limited state funding growth while losing $744 million in property tax revenue because of Senate Enrolled Act 1.

2. Pauses the expansion of the private school voucher program for only one year, then implements universal vouchers in 2027. Vouchers will increase by 10.1% in 2026 and 23.4% in 2027.

3. Decreases the eligibility level for On My Way Pre-K from 150% of the federal poverty level to 135% of the federal poverty level. Fewer working families will be eligible to qualify for pre-K.

4. Reduces the funding for the Health First Indiana program to $80 million, a $145 million cut from the 2023 biennial budget.

Garcia Wilburn released the following statement after her 'no' vote:

"I will always give credit where credit is due – it was heartening to see an increase in the cigarette tax in this year's budget, which is something I have been advocating for since becoming a lawmaker due to the positive public health impacts of this policy.

"However, that wasn't enough to convince me that this budget is the best we could do as the General Assembly.

"It's inefficient to keep growing the funding for three different school systems alongside our constitutionally mandated traditional public school system, which delivers great results for House District 32 families. This budget tells HD 32 families that the school corporations they overwhelmingly choose – Carmel Clay Schools, Hamilton Southeastern School Corporation and MSD Washington Township – are not a priority, and I can't support a budget that does that. Additionally, amid potential funding cuts for Medicaid and the dissolution of the U.S. Department of Education, I believe special education needed an extra-large boost, which it doesn't receive in this budget.  

"I also struggled to support a budget that axes critical public health funding by $145 million over the next two years and lowers the income eligibility requirement for families to qualify for On My Way Pre-K. Hoosiers move to our communities because they are great places to raise a family and focus on your health and wellness, but these cuts jeopardize these community values.

"This budget could have done more to support working families, and that's why I voted against it today."

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.”

Moseley votes against budget, raises concerns about education cuts

Today, April 25, the Indiana General Assembly approved the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the state’s next two-year budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) voted against the bill, raising concerns about its impact on public education funding.

“An estimated average 2% increase for public schools in Indiana simply doesn’t meet the needs of today’s classrooms, especially when many schools are also losing local income tax revenue,” Moseley said. “This budget gives with one hand and takes with the other. While funding for curricular materials remains, overall support continues to fall behind the real cost of educating our kids.”

While schools in our district will be scarcely funded for now, it doesn’t ensure financial stability for our community’s future.

Specifically, HB 1001:

1. Increases Indiana traditional public school funding by only 3.3% in 2026 and 1.6%  in 2027, while brick-and-mortar charters receive a 4.8% increase in 2026 and a 3.7% increase in 2027. Traditional public schools will have limited state funding growth while losing $744 million in property tax revenue because of Senate Enrolled Act 1.

2. Pauses the expansion of the private school voucher program for only one year, then implements universal vouchers in 2027. Vouchers will increase by 10.1% in 2026 and 23.4% in 2027.

3. Decreases the eligibility level for On My Way Pre-K from 150% of the federal poverty level to 135% of the federal poverty level. Fewer working families will be eligible to qualify for pre-K.

4. Reduces the funding for the Health First Indiana program to $80 million, a $145 million cut from the 2023 biennial budget.

“This budget shortchanges public education,” Moseley said. “Indiana’s students deserve bold investment, not the bare minimum. This budget does not establish a fair and balanced system for our students - it runs the risk of leaving too many kids behind."

Bauer on HB 1001: ‘Republican budget quietly undermines health care access across Indiana’

Today, April 25, the Indiana General Assembly approved the final version of House Bill 1001, advancing the state’s next two-year budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) voted against the bill, citing serious concerns about significant cuts to public health funding and the introduction of new barriers to care that will harm Hoosiers statewide, especially new mothers, seniors, low-income families and those living in rural or underserved areas.

“This budget sends a clear and troubling statement about our priorities,” Bauer said. “Budgets are moral documents, and this one reflects the state's choice for austerity over accessibility, bureaucracy over community care.”

Bauer highlighted several alarming provisions within the budget:

1. Cuts to Local Public Health Funding: Public health grants will be slashed from $150 million to just $40 million annually over the next two years. This funding was adopted by all 92 counties in the state for preventative care to improve maternal and infant health, address chronic disease prevention, and other necessary clinical needs. Additionally, new restrictions limit the use of more than 10% of these funds for capital expenditures.  This hardly makes "Indiana Healthy.'"

2. Cuts to 'Housing First' Program: Although there have been several failed attempts to include language that criminalizes homelessness in Indiana within various pieces of legislation, this budget completely eliminates the Housing First Program. A program that provided rental assistance and supportive services to individuals and families with serious, persistent mental illness, chronic chemical addiction, or a serious and persistent mental illness with a co-occurring chemical addiction who are also facing a housing crisis or exiting a residential treatment program.

3. Statewide Payment Restrictions: The budget expands site-of-service payment limits across Indiana. This change will reduce reimbursement rates for hospitals providing outpatient services outside traditional facilities, putting increased financial pressure on rural hospitals and community clinics already operating on a tight budget.

4. Mental Health Funding Penalties: A new provision disqualifies community mental health centers from receiving state or local funding if they offer competitive compensation to attract skilled clinical staff. These risks driving qualified professionals out of Indiana and further jeopardize access to already fragile mental health care services.

5. Medicaid Changes: The budget introduces administrative shifts that transfer financial risk onto healthcare providers within the Medicaid program, without enhancing patient support or provider reimbursement. These changes could ultimately result in fewer dollars reaching the people and providers who need them most.

“These policy changes don’t just hurt institutions – they hurt people,” Bauer said. “This budget quietly undermines healthcare access across Indiana. At a time when Indiana ranks among the worst states for maternal mortality and access to mental health care, we should be investing more, not less, in the systems that keep our families healthy.”

Bauer reaffirmed her commitment to fight for policies that support health equity, strengthen health care access and protect frontline health providers.

Burton votes against budget bill: ‘We need a budget that reflects our vision, not just numbers on a spreadsheet’

Today, April 25, the Indiana General Assembly approved the final version of House Bill 1001, advancing the state's next two-year budget to the governor's desk. State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) voted against the bill, citing critical gaps in education, housing and support for immigrant communities. 

“Hoosiers deserve better than what this legislation proposed,” Burton said. “Our focus should be on building the best pre-K through 12 school system, embracing those new to America and improving housing for all Hoosiers. These aspects are crucial in building our strongest future.”

The budget, which includes cuts to key investments and fails to meet the moment on immigration or housing infrastructure, comes at a time when Indiana’s once-boasted fiscal cushion is eroding. Despite touting $6 billion in reserves just months ago, the state has already lost $800 million since December, and economists remain uncertain about what lies ahead thanks to last week's $2.4 billion revenue shortfall forecast.

“Instead of using our surplus to make smart, forward-looking investments, this budget backs away from bold action,” Burton said. “Now more than ever, we should be investing in families, schools and communities - not tightening the belt when so many Hoosiers are struggling to make ends meet.”

Burton has long-championed affordable housing, equitable education and policies that support newcomers to Indiana.

“We can’t afford short-sighted budgeting when the long-term health of our economy depends on the success of our people,” Burton concluded. “We need a budget that reflects our vision, not just numbers on a spreadsheet. For these reasons, I voted against this bill.”

Smith opposes state budget, Gary gets the scraps

Today, April 25, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) opposed the budget due to insufficient funding for K-12 public education, prioritizing funding for private school vouchers and cuts in funding for local public health initiatives. 

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) released the following statement:

“I fail to see how this budget invests in our communities and our families. Our schools will have just enough to stay afloat, but they won’t have the funding they need to thrive. Like always with the state legislature, Gary will get little. 

“The funding for urban schools in this budget is insufficient. It puts Gary Community School Corporation (GCSC) in a difficult position. The state takeover of our school board due to financial distress just ended in 2024. GCSC has to stay in the black, and the state isn’t doing anything to help. This budget was done quickly, and it shows. GCSC gained 400 students this school year, but the budget is projecting we’ll lose them. If we continue to grow, we’ll still get the money, but this inaccurate prediction proves that this budget is hastily done and far from what our communities deserve.

“In 2027, private school vouchers will get a 23.4% increase and brick-and-mortar charter schools will get a 3.7% increase. Traditional public schools will only get a 1.6% increase. I understand the importance of students attending a school that best serves their needs. However, the various types of schools should be equitably funded, especially our public schools. 

“I’m also concerned with local public health receiving only $40 million each year, which will disproportionately impact those who live in poverty. Our community deserves to thrive, not just survive off of Indiana’s table scraps.”

Errington votes ‘no’ on budget, acknowledges cigarette tax increase and cites concerns on funding cuts

Today, April 25, the Indiana General Assembly approved the final version of House Bill 1001, advancing the state's next two-year budget to the governor's desk. State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) voted against the bill, acknowledging the positive step of increasing the cigarette tax but raising concerns about significant cuts to public health and higher education funding.

“Raising the cigarette tax is a long-overdue move that can discourage smoking and generate essential revenue for our state’s health initiatives,” Errington said. The budget includes raising the per-pack cigarette tax to $2.99, expected to generate approximately $800 million over the next two years.  “However, it’s disheartening to see that while we take this step forward, we’re simultaneously undermining our public health infrastructure and educational institutions. This budget reduces funding for local public health grants by $120 million over the next two years, leaving only $40 million annually for health departments across the state.”

“Ball State University and other public universities are vital to our state’s future, providing education and driving economic growth,” Errington said. “Cutting their funding sends the wrong message about our commitment to higher education. Additionally, I am particularly concerned about the language that micromanages our university and faculty affairs. By requiring tenured faculty to prove their worth through rigid productivity checklists, this bill undermines academic freedom and weakens the foundation of our higher education system. Tenure was designed to protect intellectual independence — not to be used as a tool for political oversight. Our professors should be encouraged to pursue bold research and mentor students, not worry about ticking boxes to keep their jobs. This legislation devalues their work and opens the door to censorship in the classroom.”

Errington emphasized the need for a balanced approach that invests in both public health and education — and one that respects university faculty, rather than politicizing their work.

“We should be investing in our communities’ well-being, and this budget falls short of that goal.”

Boy opposes state budget: ‘Irreparable damage’ to our education system

Today, April 25, the Indiana General Assembly passed the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Pat Boy (D-Michigan City) voted against the budget due to its insufficient funding for K-12 education and higher education.

“I cannot fathom the irreparable damage this year’s budget will have on our education systems,” Boy said. “This budget not only doesn’t make up for the money our public schools are losing because of property tax cuts but also cuts the funding towards our public universities. Our universities attract thousands of bright students every year and teach them vital skills they can contribute to our state. Instead of fostering these educational environments to provide our young people with opportunities to prosper, the majority has decided to slash their funding. 

“The budget raises the tax on cigarette packs to $2.995 per-pack, which will generate $800 million over the next two years. Instead of ensuring that this funding goes towards making up for the cut funding in our education systems, much of this funding is going to a general fund with no guarantee on how it will be used.”

“The budget also suspends the growth of the private school voucher program for a year, to make up for part of the $2.4 billion budget deficit, but this suspension is temporary, while the cuts on our schools are not. I hope that in the future this legislature will reprioritize and fund the institutions essential to the welfare and prosperity of Hoosiers.”

Campbell votes no on budget, bad deal for West Lafayette community

Today, April 25, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the budget to the governor’s desk.  State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) voted against the budget due to insufficient funding for K-12 public education, cuts for Purdue University, cuts for local public health initiatives, changes to the eligibility threshold for On My Way Pre-K, cuts in housing assistance and the elimination of funding for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) TV and radio. Campbell supports a few portions of the budget, including cutting funding for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) by roughly 30%. 

Campbell released the following statement: 

“I couldn’t support this budget, which will adversely impact families in West Lafayette. The bad in the budget outweighs the good. Purdue’s funding is getting cut, and they’re receiving no funding for capital projects, even though they’ve been an excellent partner with the state. With Purdue’s housing crisis, the university needs additional funding to build dorms and meet students’ needs. 

“The cuts for local public health initiatives are concerning since that money has been used by Tippecanoe County to prevent chronic disease and improve maternal and infant health. Fewer of our families in need will qualify for state-funded pre-K since we’re changing the On My Way Pre-K threshold. Thank goodness the various attempts to criminalize homelessness all failed, but this budget eliminates the Housing First program.  

“Our public schools also get the short end of the stick. They’ll get a small increase in state funding, but at the same time, they’ll lose an even bigger amount in property tax revenue. This isn’t what our children and teachers deserve. The bad in the budget outweighs the good.”

DeLaney opposes 2025 state budget

In the early hours of April 25, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of House Bill 1001, sending a budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) voted against the budget due to insufficient funding for K-12 public education, cuts to higher education as well as the expansion of the voucher program. 

“When it comes to this year’s Republican budget, I want to know how we got here and where we go from here. First, we got here through years of cutting away at our financial resources while expecting an ever-growing economy. Those are two bad ideas that underpin the current shortfall. 

“What we need to do now is to protect the most vital parts of our state and its people and correct our past mistakes. We are failing on both challenges. 

“We have done very little for K-12 public education in this budget while being disproportionately generous with private school vouchers. Additionally, this budget eliminates pre-k programs for tens of thousands of Hoosier children. 

“Amongst my deepest concerns is that we have undercut our 200-year-old system of state colleges and universities. Instead of creating a ‘Department of Government Efficiency,’ we have laid down a whole new bureaucratic framework and a set of rules to limit the success and independence of our higher education institutions. Our professors will have to beg to keep their posts and to teach the things they know and are committed to. What happened to academic freedom? What happened to free speech? 

“This body is on the verge of unraveling one of our state’s greatest economic assets, our universities, behind closed doors at the 11th hour. 

“One of the finest accomplishments of the last decade of the General Assembly was the strengthening of our local public health system. This budget cuts our support for that by more than two thirds.

“To top it off, we have done nothing to protect our budget from the impending doom of more cuts from the federal level. The economic uncertainty from Washington wrecked our revenue forecast to the tune of $2.4 billion. Whatever happens next could very well wreck the entire budget. Neglecting to plan for these risks is not just fiscally irresponsible, it is foolish.”

Klinker votes no on state budget, worries for the future of public schools

Today, April 25, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of House Bill 1001, sending the budget to the governor’s desk. State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) voted against the budget due to insufficient funding for K-12 public education, the elimination of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the expansion of the voucher program and the cut in funding for local public health initiatives. Klinker supports portions of the budget, including cutting funding for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) by roughly 30% and adding additional oversight for the Secretary of State. 

“I’m deeply concerned for our public schools and the inadequate funding they will receive from the budget,” Klinker said. “Our schools in Tippecanoe County will receive a minimal increase, but it’s well below their needs. Even with this small increase, our schools will still lose millions in property tax revenue. As a former educator, I know what our teachers are doing to make ends meet. I used to buy my students pencils, crayons, notebooks and other supplies with my paycheck. 

“Public schools will receive little, but private school vouchers will increase by 23.4% in 2027. I understand the desire to attend a private school due to religious beliefs that families value deeply. However, our state must provide for our public schools that rely solely on state dollars.

“While I did not vote for this budget, I do support several of the initiatives to increase oversight and transparency that will benefit the Tippecanoe County community.”