Lanane: Government's surplus politics don't add up for every day Hoosiers

INDIANAPOLIS— Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) issued the following statement in response to the fiscal year close-out numbers released today by the state auditor’s office.

“This budget statement is about misplaced priorities.

“The governor continues to hold resources back and the effects are being felt in communities across the state.

“Good government spends tax dollars prudently with an eye toward the future and improving quality of life in communities across our state.

“The governor’s budget is devised solely to generate the largest surplus possible at the expense of other vital services.

“The goalposts on an acceptable reserve level move further and further back. The governor and his team targeted 12 percent of operating appropriations initially. That number has grown to 14 percent. The fact is, by socking away more than necessary and forcing agencies to preemptively revert, we’re shorting taxpayers and cutting corners on vital services.

“A nominally larger balance statement may look good in a press release, but it’s not filling potholes, rebuilding local roads and bridges or protecting children.

“Reversions like the $1.4 million the Indiana Department of Health was forced to make in the midst of an HIV crisis in southern Indiana and as communities continue to grapple with drug addiction have a consequential impact.

“Instead of prioritizing bipartisan issues like rebuilding local infrastructure and expanding the progress we’ve made on quality early education, the governor continues to beat the drum for more tax cuts for big business like those enacted by Republican legislative supermajorities.

“Decisions like turning down $80 million in seed money to grow the state’s early education program and penny-pinching at the Department of Child Services calls into question whether the governor’s priorities align with every day Hoosiers’.  

“Governor Pence continues to embrace the surplus politics of the past. That vision prioritizes special interests ahead of Indiana communities and every day Hoosiers.” 

Sen. Lanane represents Indiana Senate District 25 includes the portions of Madison and Delaware counties, including the City of Muncie and portions of the City of Anderson. For more information on Sen. Lanane, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.IN.gov/S25 .