“Given the national economic calamity and falling state revenue projections, our caucus stands united in controlling government spending, protecting education funding and avoiding general tax increases — now and in the future.” — Sen. David C. Long (R-Fort Wayne) “The governor’s proposal accomplishes precisely what House Republicans have been calling for. It protects Hoosiers from future tax increases, it maintains a healthy reserve balance, and it cuts spending in every category except public safety and public education. While other states resort to tax increases and cutting education, I am extremely pleased to join Sen. Long in strongly endorsing this responsible proposal, which protects the fiscal integrity of the state.” — Rep. Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis)
Here is a joint statement issued tonight by Senate President Pro Tem David C. Long (R-Fort Wayne) and House Republican Leader Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis): 
 
“Tonight’s televised comments by Gov. Mitch Daniels represent the culmination of a highly unusual set of circumstances for our state.

“The economic meltdown currently hammering Indiana and the nation has forced state government to completely re-evaluate our approach to a new state budget. An unprecedented second revenue forecast has been crafted which has shown state revenues to be in far worse shape than our forecasts revealed a mere 60 days ago. The bankruptcies of Chrysler and G.M. will place significant new pressures on Indiana’s economic struggles as well.

“These economic factors as well as many others have set the stage for a special session and the development of a new state budget proposal by Gov. Daniels’ Administration.
 
 “Tonight Gov. Daniels gave a glimpse to the people of Indiana of that proposed budget. We strongly support the principles contained in the budget proposal, which include:

 
1.       EDUCATION FUNDING will be protected. Most schools will see an average increase of 2 percent over the biennium, and all school corporations will get more money per child than they receive today. In addition, should state revenues exceed the amounts forecasted, an “education trigger” would automatically invest $1 for every $2 of excess revenues received.

 
2.       JOB CREATION would be bolstered by the investment of $450 million in capital projects at state universities in addition to $1 billion in road and bridge projects - paving the way to more investment and expansion in Hoosier hometowns across our state.

 
3.       SPENDING CUTS across the board except for K-12 education and public safety ensures that the state will live within its means while protecting against future tax increases. The plan also calls for preserving $1 billion of the state’s emergency funds to help bridge the state to better economic times.

 
·         35 states are cutting education.
·         40 states are raising taxes.
·         31 states are doing both.
Under this budget proposal, Indiana is doing neither!
“Republican lawmakers look forward to hearing the detailed budget presentation in committee this week and to working with Democratic members of the Indiana Senate and House of Representatives to enact a budget that lives within its means while keeping an eye on the future.”