The Indiana House and Senate approved a two-year $1 billion infrastructure bill. The measure does not raise taxes, but will use a combination of state reserves, tax re-allocations, Major Moves dollars and proceeds from last year's tax amnesty program.
Supporters of the bill like Senator Luke Kenley, who chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee believes that the plan is big step in the right direction toward satisfying local and state needs.
Another member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Karen Tallian, voted to pass the bill but reminds other members that it is not a long term solution.
“I’m going to vote for this bill, it does do some good things this year, and in fact it’s the only game in town. But on behalf of the Senate Democrat Caucus, we do state our objections that this is not a real long-term solution,” Tallian said.
A separate but related bill focused on local transportation infrastructure funding that was authored by Senator Brandt Hershman (R-7) has also been approved by the General Assembly. It calls for $430 million for local governments.