The Chamber ended quickly its relief from inflation and the family is supporting the bill on Friday before sending it to the Senate.
During the final discussion of HB 1001(s)Democrats reiterated one last time that the bill was good, but it didn’t go far enough to support families and children.
Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) called the bill a “camouflage” for the state’s repeated failure to provide family support in the past. And, he said, the bill is a response to an abortion bill that none of them have seen.
“If people had been ready for a session after 49 years of debating a certain issue, we wouldn’t be here today,” DeLaney said.
Most amendments proposed by Democrats during the second reading of the failed bill, including suggestions to make products like diapers, formula and cribs exempt from the state’s gross retail tax and add additional money to incentivize businesses to offer family and medical leave.
In addition to limited family support, the bill also sends $225 checks to eligible Hoosiers and allows people who didn’t file a tax return in 2021 to file an affidavit to receive a check.
Supporters said the affidavit system will allow that Older Hoosiers, Hoosiers with Disabilities and Hoosiers who didn’t earn enough to file taxes to receive some relief.
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In her closing remarks, Rep. Sharon Negele (R-Attica), the bill’s sponsor, said the bill limited programs so that people could decide for themselves how to spend the budget surplus.
“The bottom line is we’re allowing Hoosier families to spend the money as they see fit best in their lives,” he said. “This is important. That’s why I think this is so significant.”
Rep. Gregory Porter (D-Indianapolis) said House representatives “could have crafted a more inclusive bill” during the session, but didn’t.
“Unfortunately, we missed another opportunity to do something for regular, everyday Hoosiers,” he said.
Republicans acknowledged many of those concerns, but said it was important to limit the scope of the bill.
House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) said it was difficult to vote against some Democratic amendments.
“Look, they’re hard to beat,” he said. “In many ways they make a lot of sense. But you have to look holistically.”
But Huston said at the end of the day, his vote came with no “buts.”
“I will enthusiastically vote for the green button on this bill,” he said. “It’s the right thing for taxpayers, it’s the right thing for all Hoosiers, it’s the right thing for women and children. I appreciate your support for this bill.”
The bill passed 93 to 2 and now moves to the Senate.
Contact reporter Violet at vcomberwilen@wfyi.org or follow her on Twitter at @ComberWilen. Follow WBAA’s Ben Thorp on @sad_radio_lad on Twitter.
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