On Nov. 6, voters have the opportunity to support a proposed constitutional amendment that would ensure Indiana continues to live within its means. If passed, the amendment would hold state government accountable by requiring the Indiana General Assembly to maintain an honestly balanced state budget.
The post circulating on social media is completely false. The amendment would ensure all future state budgets continue funding public pensions, protecting employees like teachers, firefighters and police officers, as confirmed by the Indiana Public Retirement System. This proposal would better protect Hoosier pensions and our state’s fiscal integrity
Overall, this proposed amendment prioritizes public pensions going forward, affording Hoosiers greater protections from smoke-and-mirrors budgeting gimmicks that have previously occurred.
On the ballot, public question No. 1 will read: “Shall Article 10, Section 5 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to require the General Assembly to adopt balanced budgets for state government that do not exceed estimated revenues unless a supermajority of two-thirds of the members of the House of Representatives and two-thirds of the members of the Senate vote to suspend the requirement?” A “yes” vote means you support requiring Indiana to maintain a balanced biennial budget, and a “no” vote means you oppose adding this requirement.
Under conservative leadership, Indiana has maintained a balanced budget for the last seven years, along with a AAA bond rating from all three major credit agencies. Our fiscal discipline has allowed us to continue funding priorities like roads and bridges, education and public safety initiatives.
Adding this strong constitutional safeguard could prevent future legislatures from passing on unnecessary debt to our children or grandchildren, and on Nov. 6, I will be voting yes.
If you have any questions on how this proposed constitutional amendment could impact our community and state, please reach out to me at h18@iga.in.gov or 317-234-9028.
