Dozens of people testified before the House’s methods and means committee that either a two -year budget was drafting the legislature to continue funding or increase funding to request the committee.
In the legislative session of 2025, the Legislature will prepare a budget to cover the state’s funding over the next two years. The legislature will determine that the way to spend $ 44 billion for schools, health care insurance programs and infrastructure among other things.
Angel Angosta, a junior student at the Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis, testified before the committee to continue the career scholarship account program, which was established in 2023 and a student per student per student to participate in the career preparation programs. Gave 5,000 grants.
Through the CSA program, ACOSTA stated that he is learning HVAC skills. The first generation Mexican American Acosta said that he belongs to a lower middle class family and helps support his mother and brother.
“I am the most grateful that CSA has financial support. Financial burden that has been removed from me and many other students, ”Acosta said. “Cardinal Ritter High School has given me the privilege of being among the trades where I can do a lively laborer and provide me after anything for my family, because after I get my license.”
His dream, Acosta said, “To be a lawyer to defend those who experience injustice.”
“Sadly, due to recent changes in the world, I am not sure if I would get the opportunity one day,” Acosta said.
Through CSA, ACOSTA said that working in HVAC has provided a backup plan as a way to provide them for their family.
House and Wes Committee Rape. Mike Andred, D-Moonter, told Acosta that he is also the first generation Mexican American. His goal was also to become a lawyer, Andred said, and now he is a state MLA.
“I am proud of you. Keep pressing. Keep working hard. You can get whatever you want in life,” Andred said.
Emily Bryant, Executive Director, Hungry, Feeding Indiana, said the organization distributed about 140 million pounds in 2024, which represents an increase of 8 million pounds from 2023.
Bryant said that the organization appreciated $ 2 million, per year, it was allocated for the upcoming budget.
The previous president of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Indiana Chapter Sarah Bollet requested a $ 300,000 to fund the care program, which helps families to join pediatric mental health care.
KC Chase, vice -president of performance improvement in LifeSpring Health Systems, requested an additional $ 53.1 million towards his community mental health fund and $ 21 million each year for group homes for persons with serious mental illness.
Erica Brigs, Trails to Trails Conservancy along with Midwest Policy Manager, asked the committee to fund the trails in the next two years.
Brigs said that the organization has highlighted Indiana as a model of success in the nation because it assumes that trails that improve economic growth as a cost -effective investment, improve the quality of public health and life facilities We do.
In the last 6 years, Indiana has invested $ 180 million to develop and connect local and regionally important trail networks, Briges said. Unfortunately, Briges said, the proposed two -year budget does not include funds for trails.
“Indiana will not only lose her place as a leader; Unfortunately, it is going to be finally dead in the nation, ”Brigs said.
Brigs said that the committee should allocate $ 30 million to the trails, which have been asked to do other state agencies, which reflects a 5% decrease in funds.
“Trails .. are essential infrastructure where small investments have excluded returns,” Brigs said.
Greenways Foundation Executive Director Kipri Hazel said that the committee should continue investing in trails in the upcoming budget. He said that trails are a catalyst for a infrastructure investment, proven economic engine and employment generation.
“The communities across the Indiana, from our largest cities to our smallest cities, are looking at the transformational power of the trails for the first time. They attract visitors, support local businesses and increase property values, ”Hazel said.
In addition, trails help improve public health, Hazel said. Studies have shown that for each $ 1 invested in trails, the disease, obesity and mental health translaps the rates of challenges to save $ 3 in the cost of health care.
Hazel said that trails also help in conservation, protect green space, protect wildlife and provide community connections.
“Without investment, we stop the speed and leave countless shovel-taiyar projects,” Hazel said.
The bill hearing in the committee will continue.