Legislative Session Nears Conclusion

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Legislators return to the Statehouse Monday after a short recess, as they work to close out the 2015 session by Wednesday. The main issue left is the estimated $31.5 billion, two-year budget. Senator Luke Kenley (R-20) and Representative Tim Brown (R-41), the primary architects, have said the lower-than-expected revenue forecast will force difficult decisions. Governor Mike Pence and legislative leaders have pushed for it to focus on education.

The version that cleared the House and Senate calls for $466 million in funding for K-12 education, $200 million per year to fund road projects through the Major Moves 2020 initiative, $100 million to fund the Career and Technical Education program and $20 million for the Regional Cities Initiative.

It also includes a formula to fund the Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0.

A hotly-contested bill that has not received final approval concerns moving river boat casinos on-shore and clearing the state's racinos for live dealers.

Source: Inside INdiana Business