FROM INDIANA PUBLIC BROADCASTING
Lawmakers ended the 2025 session early Friday morning by passing a new state budget that Republicans say takes care of Indiana’s priorities — and Democrats argue moves the state backward.
Legislators were faced with a two-billion-dollar revenue shortfall in the new budget. They filled it with a two-dollar-per-pack cigarette tax hike, major cuts to higher education and public health, and defunding things like public broadcasting and trails.
House Speaker Todd Huston says the budget makes important investments in key priorities, including K-12 education, housing and public safety. “House Bill 1001 builds on the success of what’s taken place in Indiana.” he said.
But Democratic Representative Robin Shackleford says Republicans’ priorities are misaligned. She commented “The state claims fiscal responsibility, but it is doing so at the expense of public health — which will lead to higher long-term costs.”
The House and Senate passed the budget largely along party lines, with a single Democrat in each chamber voting in favor.
