Budget, DCS top ’19 agenda

In an odd-numbered year, it’s no surprise that the budget is the topic legislators expect will top their agenda.

How that money will be allocated is the challenge.

As Indiana’s legislative session gets started today, Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) and Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) will be tackling that task among many others.

Prescott, who is the second-youngest legislator in the state by a few weeks to fellow freshman Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Macy), said the No. 1 priority for his first session is a balanced budget. Second on the list is resolving issues with the Department of Child Services.

Holdman, who has served in the senate for a decade, has also indicated that a balanced budget is key for the session, which must end by April 21.

Holdman is chair of the tax and fiscal policy committee.

There will be an estimated $321 million in new revenue to spend in 2020 and even more the following year, but it is expected that most of that will go toward increased Medicaid obligations and DCS. Having those funds already spoken for leaves a challenge for the Republican-dominated legislature, which has expressed interest in finding a way to increase teacher pay. Other issues that could call for more funding include workforce development, school safety and the opioid epidemic.

But Prescott, who is taking over the District 33 seat after Greg Beumer chose not to seek re-election, said it’s important for legislators to look for other avenues to make an impact.

“Obviously the general assembly doesn’t set teacher pay … but we’re looking at ways that we can streamline the administrative processes and cut the administrative costs down,” he said. “That way it gives corporations more flexibility to get those funds directly into the classroom.”

He also noted that local school superintendents have said they’d like more flexibility for spending the school safety funds that area already available. 

Another top issue facing the legislature this year is whether or not to pass a hate crime law. Indiana is one of just five states that does not have a hate crime law, and Gov. Eric Holcomb said last month that he feels passing one is long overdue. Several versions of such bills have been proposed over the last few years, but none have made it out of committee.

As they consider decisions on such issues, local lawmakers have their legislative surveys available. They have been mailed to constituents and can also be filled out online at indianasenaterepublicans.com/2019-legislative-survey-holdman and indianahouserepublicans.com/constituent-survey-hd-33.

Holdman’s survey features questions about budget priorities, a cigarette tax increase and sports gambling.

Prescott’s questions cover career and technical training, college scholarships and township government. He also said he’s especially interested in constituent responses to the question “Do you support the legalization of industrial hemp?”

“I wonder how the public receives it, because there’s a difference between industrial hemp and marijuana,” he said, adding that he encourages constituents to offer their feedback. “I wonder, when you separate the two and just focus on industrial hemp, what the status is with the public.”

Holdman has already filed two bills. Senate Bill 127 would allow school corporations to place a referendum on the ballot to impose a tax to improve school safety. Senate Bill 171 would repeal some tax incentives, including to relating to coal combustion and two relating to aircraft property.

Prescott is currently listed as the co-author of one bill — House Bill 1095 — which would create a tax deduction for military income. He is also working on bills that would allow unused college 529 savings plan funds to be rolled over into retirement accounts without a state tax penalty and create a uniform vehicle registration policy for ATVs, golf carts and similar vehicles.

As he takes his seat in the Indiana House of Representatives today, Prescott will serve on the agriculture and rural development, environmental affairs and natural resources committees.

“It’s very humbling,” said Prescott. “Just with the history of the statehouse, to be part of the legislative process now, it’s overwhelming, but it’s very positive. I’m just very blessed. I’m fortunate that the voters have chosen me as their representative and I’m honored. I just want to make sure that I do the best job I can possibly do for our area and our district.”