Handouts Instead of a Hand Up: Final State Budget Fails Working Hoosiers

In the early hours of April 25, the last day of session, Indiana Republicans passed the final version of the state budget, House Enrolled Act 1001. The budget was unveiled Wednesday at 6 p.m., which gave House Democrats only 24 hours to review the document. Statehouse Democrats were not included in budget negotiations or discussions, meaning our communities didn’t get a seat at the table.

Due to President Trump’s tariffs, Indiana is $2 billion short for our two-year budget. We had to cut our spending by close to 4%. House Democrats’ goal was to preserve vital government services, like K-12 education and Medicaid, while cutting administrative and bureaucratic costs. But this budget prioritizes all the wrong things. Essential services Hoosiers rely on are cut, while income tax cuts and handouts will continue for Indiana’s wealthiest families. Our working and middle-class families will bear the brunt of these budget cuts.

(Read more on Substack)