Chris Watts

Talent, Taxes and Indiana’s Economic Toolkit

Back in February, Intel unveiled its intent to locate a $20 billion semiconductor manufacturing hub near Columbus, Ohio – the largest private-sector investment in state history. Company executive Keyvan Esfarjani later summarized Intel’s reasons for planting its flag in the Buckeye State: “It really comes down to three things: Land, infrastructure and, most importantly, talent,” he said. “Ohio meets all of that.” (Of course, $2.1 billion in state incentives didn’t hurt, either.)... Read More

Addressing the Costs of Indiana’s Pre-Existing Health Crisis: Opioid Abuse

As Indiana lawmakers negotiate an end to the COVID public health emergency, we’ve lost ground in the fight against opioid abuse – a pre-existing condition that’s been resurgent in the shadow of the pandemic. After falling in 2018 and 2019, Indiana’s overdose deaths soared 58% through 2021. But the financial and human costs of opioids have accumulated across two decades.... Read More

Lessons from Business Personal Property Tax Reform in Michigan

Last week, the Indiana House of Representatives passed HB1002, a sweeping package of tax cuts ultimately worth over $1.3 billion annually. The plan faces an uncertain path in the Senate, where fiscal leaders are skeptical about making tax policy in a non-budget writing session.... Read More

What’s Behind – and Beyond – Indiana’s Blockbuster Revenue Forecast?

Two weeks ago, the State Budget Committee received another dose of stunning news about the strength of Indiana’s finances: The latest revenue forecast adds $3.3 billion to earlier two-year projections, pushing the state surplus over... Read More

Local Budget Relief Could Come From Revisiting Income Tax Rules

Tax cut plans are increasingly top of mind for Indiana lawmakers ahead of next year’s legislative session as state revenues continue to surge beyond expectations month after month. ... Read More

Indiana’s Fiscal Recovery Inspires Confidence (With Caution)

Two weeks ago, state officials released Indiana’s close-out report for Fiscal Year 2021 with a surprise for Hoosier taxpayers: Revenues soared above projections to push the state’s reserves to $3.9 bi... Read More

Hot Budget Summer

This Fourth of July felt like part of a summer-long celebration as Indiana emerges from the COVID crisis. But in local government offices across Indiana, this is a summer of working overtime on plans... Read More

Local Schools, Regional Developments are Biggest State Budget Winners

Governor Holcomb and legislative leaders announced a breakthrough budget deal this week that’s likely poised to pass the General Assembly as this hits your screen: The two-year, $37.4 billion plan add... Read More

With Local Revenues Limited, State Should Invest in Quality of Life

March Madness is back in Indy, Governor Holcomb is easing COVID restrictions and opening vaccine eligibility, and cases continue to fall…after a year of hardship, better times are on the horizon. Hoos... Read More

Education Funding and Economic Resilience

Much of this session of the Indiana General Assembly has focused on rebuilding from COVID – but what about building a more resilient economy against the next crisis? As action on the $36+ billion stat... Read More