New state laws during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect
Most legislation passed during the recent session took effect at the beginning of the state’s new fiscal year on July 1. Under the state’s newly passed state budget, taxpayers are expected to save an estimated $430 million over the next two years via tax relief passed during the legislative session. Thanks to the acceleration of individual state income tax cuts, hardworking Hoosiers will have one of the lowest rates in the nation by 2027. Indiana’s K-12 spending makes up about half of the state’s $44.6 billion budget, and lawmakers supported increasing student funding by 10% over the next two years. In addition, parents will no longer pay textbook and curricular fees.
“Indiana is in a strong fiscal position, and we were able to cut income taxes for hardworking Hoosiers even faster than originally planned,” said State Rep. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. “Doing that while funding essential services and investing for the future shows our state is one of the best for raising a family, earning a living and starting a business.”
“Our state’s new two-year budget continues strong investments in Hoosier students and includes relief for parents by eliminating curricular fees,” said State Rep. Peggy Mayfield (R-Martinsville), a member of the House Ways and Means Committee. “We also took steps to ensure more students have an opportunity to gain meaningful work-related experiences and skills in high school, so that they’re more prepared to enter the workforce.”
Local lawmakers also highlighted the following new laws:
Lowering Health Care Costs
In an effort to lower patient and employer costs, there will be greater transparency and oversight of Indiana’s largest hospital systems through a new Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force. Health care costs will be further contained by prohibiting billing practices that often result in a higher hospital price being charged for nonhospital-based services. Physicians will also receive more support for starting an independent practice, which could increase health care options and lower costs.
Increasing Mental Health Treatment
Law enforcement will have the ability to refer low-risk, non-violent individuals suffering from a mental illness, or impairment from drugs and alcohol to the nearest mental health facility instead of the county jail. Individuals will not be turned away due to an inability to pay for services. Local mental health and addiction referral programs will also be available to help those who are incarcerated get treatment.
Protecting Children from Harmful Material
Hoosier children would not be able to access obscene and harmful content at K-12 public school libraries. Parents and local community members can request content be reviewed for reshelving or removal, and school boards will review requests during their next public meeting. Parents could also appeal a decision.
Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about these and other new state laws now in effect.
Heidi Schulz named executive director of development at Ivy Tech Bloomington
Ivy Tech Community College’s Bloomington campus has named Heidi Schulz to the position of executive director of development. Schulz was formerly serving in multiple roles at Indiana University, primarily as director of the Cox Research Scholars Program. She assumed the new role as Susie Graham retired from the position on June 30 after 17 years of service.
In her previous role as director of the Cox Research Scholars Program, she was instrumental in developing one of Indiana University’s largest single donor gifts into a prestigious scholarship program. Schulz directed the programming, communications, recruitment, and administration of one of Indiana University’s premiere scholarship programs. Schulz earned her bachelor’s in general studies from Indiana University. She has led several successful United Way campaigns, chaired the United Way of Monroe County Board of Directors, and is a graduate of Leadership Bloomington.
Ivy Tech Bloomington offers more than 40 career and four-year transfer programs, with courses that start multiple times per year for quick entry and graduation. To get started, apply for free online at ivytech.edu, call 812-330-6013, or email askBloomington@ivytech.edu. For information on free training programs at Ivy Tech Bloomington, visit ivytech.edu/bloomington/NLJ.
Indiana State Police seek recruits for Capitol Police Section
The Indiana State Police Capitol Police Section is accepting applications. Individuals interested in beginning a rewarding career as a Capitol Police Officer may apply online at https://www.Capitol Police Career Opportunities. This website provides a detailed synopsis of the application process and information on additional career opportunities with the Indiana State Police Department.
Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm (EST) on Wednesday, August 9, 2023.
The academy begins on Monday, October 23, 2023. The starting salary for a Capitol Police Probationary Officer is $62,327 a year. After the first year of employment, the salary will increase to $64,472.00. The Indiana State Police Capitol Police Section also offers an excellent health care plan, including medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage for current and retired employees and their families. The State maintains short-term and long-term disability plans for full time employees after six (6) months of continuous employment. As an Indiana State Police Capitol Police Officer, you are automatically enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement Fund (PERF), and the State will contribute to your retirement account.
Interested applicants can obtain additional information about a career as a Capitol Police Officer by visiting https://www.Capitol Police Career Opportunities. Applicants can also contact a recruiter at isprecruiting@isp.in.gov.
This Week in Hoosier History
1913 – Richard Red Skelton, American comic, born in Vincennes. ‘Red’ was an American entertainer best known for his national radio and television shows between 1937 and 1971, especially as host of the television program The Red Skelton Show. He has stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in radio and television, and also appeared in burlesque, vaudeville, films, nightclubs, and casinos, all while he pursued an entirely separate career as an artist.
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