Latest news with #SEA1
Chicago Tribune
30-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Indiana schools ready for bevy of new education laws
Dozens of new laws that impact education in Indiana, from sex education to teacher pay, become effective Tuesday. State lawmakers spent three months, from January to April in Indianapolis, crafting the bills that Gov. Mike Braun would eventually sign into law. The GOP-dominated legislature focused closely on education, from establishing a new K-12 grading system to creating new rules for teaching sex education. According to Gary Teachers Union president GlenEva Dunham, there are 87 new laws relating to education. 'It's crazy. I'm going to try to have a lawmaker come in and explain it all at our next union meeting,' Dunham said. Most Indiana K-12 leaders are focused on the fallout from a tax reform measure, Senate Bill 1, that provides property tax relief to taxpayers, but slashes revenue for schools and local governments. The taxpayer relief at the expense of local governments was part of Braun's 'do more with less' mantra. Braun, a businessman, argued that local governments and school districts could find efficiencies to help them trim costs. The law also calls for school districts to share referendum revenue with charter schools attended by students in their district beginning in 2028. It would impact about 30 districts and hit the Gary Community School Corp. hard since more than half its eligible students attend charters. The tax relief law is estimated to cost districts about $744.4 million, per a legislative estimate. The measure also limits referendums to the fall ballot only. That's already had an impact as the Duneland School Board voted last week to shift the renewal of its $71.2 million operating referendum from May 2026 to the Nov. 4 ballot to ensure funding is available next year. 'The impact of SEA 1 will be news for a while as public entities come up with ways to keep quality services intact, as per the expectations of many constituents,' said Lake Central Superintendent Larry Veracco. In the state budget, the legislature also provided schools with 2% additional money or about $640 million. Braun and GOP lawmakers continued to expand the state's voucher system, dropping income limits and making it a universal 'school choice' program funded by taxpayers. Here's a look at other new laws: The bill drew controversy and plenty of testimony. In the end, the law ushers in party politics into school board races for the first time. The law allows a candidate to declare a party or disregard the party tag and run as a nonpartisan candidate. The federal Hatch Act limits political activities for federal employees and opponents said it prevents them from running for a school board because the contests are partisan. Dormant since 2018, letter grades return next year with a new framework to assess performance. The State Board of Education has until the end of the year to finalize new rules, but it's likely to add IREAD literacy scores, student attendance and chronic absenteeism to the third grade assessment. Schools in grades 4-8 could be evaluated on ILEARN proficiency in math and English, attendance data and advanced courses. High schools in grades 9-12 could be graded on measures that dovetail with the state's new diploma standards just approved by the state board in December. Within the 200-page bill is a provision that caps the percentage of teachers eligible for Teacher Appreciation Grants at 20%. Veracco said it's problematic in a time when salary increases will likely be small and won't keep pace with inflation. Dunham said it creates a 'divide and conquer' system as some teachers could receive a $7,500 stipend for high performance while other teachers would not receive anything. 'It's selective and subjective, we argued against it,' said Dunham, who also heads the Indiana Federation of Teachers. State Rep. Tonya Pfaff, D-Terre Haute, said previously 90% of teachers are considered effective or highly effective and presently could receive grants between $250 and $600. The new system would mean about 54,000 won't receive the stipend. It increases the minimum salary from $40,000 to $45,000. It also increases the amount of tuition support required from 62% to 65%. Just 44 districts had minimum salaries over $45,000 last year. It requires the State Board of Education to establish chronic absenteeism guidelines and create a list of best practices to reduce student discipline. Chronic absenteeism was defined as missing at least 10% of school for any reason. It allows county prosecutors to hold 'intervention meetings' with parents before any legal action is taken. Teachers will be required to show 'age-appropriate' students a three-minute ultrasound video tracking fetal development and a computer-generated look at fertilization and development. Teachers will also discuss the importance of consent in sexual relations. Parental consent forms must say if the class will be taught by gender or in a unified setting, as well as the teacher's sex. Schools will be required to provide early intervention for K-8 students at-risk of not meeting grade level proficiency. It calls for schools to give a screening test for K-2 students for targeted support. The wide-ranging bill from House Education chairman Robert Behning, R-Indianapolis, takes aim at current education law. He said its purpose is to lighten the load of regulations off school districts. One of those regulations halts state guidelines for teacher preparation to include training on social-emotional learning, cultural competency and restorative justice. Right-learning groups have opposed the concept saying those values could conflict with what students learn at home. Opponents said the training helped reduce suspensions and behavioral incidents. Republicans said the bill doesn't ban the practice, it just makes it no longer a requirement. The bill also discards the education requirement so the governor could appoint a Secretary of Education with no education experience. Added, was the removal of a 2018 requirement for high schools to offer a semester-long elective ethics course.
Chicago Tribune
25-06-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
‘You're shaking out the couch cushions': NWI leaders look for help amid tax cut
Indiana's new property tax system will result in an approximately $303 million reduction over the course of three years for Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties, according to the state's Legislative Services Agency. Lake County will see a reduction of $32.9 million in 2026, $37.2 million in 2027 and $165.1 million in 2028 for a total of $235.2 million in three years. Northern Lake County will see the highest reduction in property tax dollars in Northwest Indiana, said Beth Shrader, a planner and project manager with SEH, which along with Baker-Tilly, and Development Economic Finance held a Lunch & Learn session about the fiscal and planning challenges for cities and towns in Porter and Lake County in the wake of Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1). Porter County will see a reduction of $13.7 million in 2026, $14.5 million in 2027 and $21.4 million in 2028 for a total of $49.6 million in three years, LaPorte County will see a reduction of $5.3 million in 2026, $6.3 million in 2027 and $6.5 million in 2028, for a total of $18.1 million in three years, according to LSA. Jason Semler, principal with Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, said overall the new property tax system will benefit property owners but hurt local government funding. 'We're going to hurt,' Semler told the crowd of around 35 municipal officials. 'The less that they have to pay, the less money we receive.' Senate Enrolled Act 1 established a new property tax system by saving two-thirds of taxpayers up to $300 on their 2025 property tax bill while local governments, school districts, libraries and other units will lose $1.4 billion through 2028. As the bill moved through the legislature, county, city, and school leaders came to the legislature to testify about its financial impacts. Legislators told the local leaders that they could lean on local income tax to make up any budgetary shortfalls. Semler said Tuesday the legislature took the local income tax structure and 'threw it out and started over.' The local income tax, effective July 1, 2027, will decrease from 3.75% to 2.9%, Semler said. The 2.9% has to be allocated as follows: 1.2% for county general revenue, 0.4% for EMS and fire departments, 0.2% for townships and libraries, he said. Local income tax councils will be eliminated beginning July 1, 2027, and all local income tax rates have to be affirmed by Oct. 1, 2027 to continue into 2028, Semler said. Starting in 2031, the local income tax rates must be adopted annually by county councils, he said. In Porter County, state law requires a portion of the local income tax to go toward the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority, said Portage Mayor Austin Bonta. He asked how that will be impacted under the new property tax law. Porter County will have to continue making that payment from its local income tax, Semler said. Hobart Mayor Josh Huddlestun asked about implementing the local income tax changes in cities and towns that have different zip codes. Hobart has four zip codes, he said, including people who have a Merrillville address but live in the corporate boundaries of Hobart. 'We're going to have to throw darts at a map,' when calculating local income tax rates, Huddlestun said. 'It's a nightmare.' Officials at the Indiana Department of Revenue have said that won't be known for a couple of years, Semler said. But, Semler said that's a good point because someone with a Valparaiso address doesn't necessarily live in city limits, so the tax allocations have to be looked at. 'That is something that's going to have to be worked out,' Semler said. Local leaders can begin preparing and mitigating the fiscal impact under the new property tax system by reviewing revenue projections, preparing a budget outlook, collaborating, creating a capital improvement plan, getting creative and communicating, Shrader said. A capital improvement plan typically projects five years out, Shrader said, and highlights specific projects, which includes linking the projects to budgets and timelines. Capital improvement plans also help build trust with the community, she said. Local officials could also apply for grants at the federal, state and private levels to help fund various projects, said SEH associate planner Nate Day. Another option local officials have to finance big projects amid decreased revenue streams has been lease purchase financing, Shrader said, which is a public-private partnership to complete a project without immediate costs Local officials have used lease purchase when traditional bond options are 'less attractive,' Shrader said. 'A lot of that risk is mitigated through that agreement,' Shrader said. Since 2019, Indiana has allowed for residential tax increment financing, which captures the assessed value of new residential developments, like new construction or age-restricted housing, said Dan Botich, the president for Development Economic Finance Consulting. Under the residential TIF, communities could use the funds from the captured assessed value to finance public safety or capital expenditure, Botich said. Another benefit, Botich said, the developer has to put in public improvements — sewer, streets, lighting, parks — around the residential project. Local leaders have to start preparing for the upcoming change to the property tax system, Shrader said. 'You need to make sure you're reassessing all of your funding options. You're shaking out the couch cushions trying to find any grants, any loans, any other opportunities that you left on the table in the past. If nothing else, to assure the people that you are communicating these issues, these changes and how they're going to impact you that you have looked at all options,' Shrader said.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indiana's property tax reform delivers relief while preserving local growth
Indiana's 2024 elections sent a message to leaders that Hoosiers across the state were concerned about getting squeezed out of their homes by skyrocketing property taxes. The angst I heard talking to members of our community came, of course, with an acknowledgement that rising taxes were a result of increased home values, but a lack of transparency around home assessments and some frustration with a seemingly endless chain of school referenda made it clear that many Hoosiers were demanding relief. Heading into the 2025 legislative session, it surprised no one that this issue was front and center for lawmakers. After months of negotiations and input from residents, the Indiana General Assembly delivered one of the most significant changes to local taxation we have seen in nearly two decades. No one got exactly what they wanted — it would take you three minutes on social media to know that — but the result is a bill that provides immediate relief to nearly every Hoosier and, when fully implemented, allows homeowners to deduct two-thirds of their assessed value to lower their property tax bill while reining in $54 billion in local government debt. We transformed some tax deductions into tax credits, a change that will result in lower actual tax bills for thousands of taxpayers; moved school referendums to even-year general election ballots to ensure better participation; and lowered the amount of local income taxes governments can collect by $1.9 billion. In short, while changes to tax policy can be complicated, Senate Enrolled Act 1 not only gives Hoosier homeowners tax relief today, but also moves Indiana to a fairer, simpler and more balanced local tax system in the near future. One of my goals as a state legislator is to ensure the voices of growing communities are represented in these debates. It was important that we find a balance between needed relief and the resources upon which communities like mine have come to rely, resources that represent critical investments in quality of life, amenities, infrastructure and key services. Hicks: Braun cut taxes for businesses, but most Hoosiers will pay more Carmel and Westfield, the cities I represent at the Statehouse, have enjoyed forward-thinking, fiscally responsible leadership for years. The results are demonstrative. Carmel, for example, was ranked No. 2 on the list of the Best Places to Live in 2025 by Livability & U.S. News, and both communities are consistently ranked among the best in the country. Indiana, moreover, is now ranked 7th nationally for net in-migration, with the high-earning, talented individuals Indiana needs flocking to cities in Hamilton County. That's not an accident. The strategies that Carmel and Westfield have implemented should be celebrated and enhanced by the policies coming from the Statehouse. That balance was not easy to strike and local governments and schools will, no doubt, be faced with difficult decisions in the future. But SEA 1 represents much-needed reform to a convoluted property tax system that disincentivizes these hard decisions today at taxpayers' expense. Even with these changes, schools in my district will receive more money from property taxes over the next three years, and the new state budget increases tuition support for students. I am proud of the work we did this session on this issue, and I am equally grateful for the perspectives, insights, and counsel shared by our incredible local leaders who helped legislators avoid harmful unintended consequences. As with any bill this complex, property tax reform will remain a topic of discussion in the General Assembly, and we will be making tweaks to the law moving forward. But SEA 1 is a strong step forward to helping homeowners while improving accountability in local government spending. State Rep. Danny Lopez, R-Carmel, represents House District 39, which includes a portion of Hamilton County. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana property tax reform delivers relief for homeowners | Opinion
Indianapolis Star
05-06-2025
- Business
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana's property tax reform delivers relief while preserving local growth
Indiana's 2024 elections sent a message to leaders that Hoosiers across the state were concerned about getting squeezed out of their homes by skyrocketing property taxes. The angst I heard talking to members of our community came, of course, with an acknowledgement that rising taxes were a result of increased home values, but a lack of transparency around home assessments and some frustration with a seemingly endless chain of school referenda made it clear that many Hoosiers were demanding relief. Heading into the 2025 legislative session, it surprised no one that this issue was front and center for lawmakers. After months of negotiations and input from residents, the Indiana General Assembly delivered one of the most significant changes to local taxation we have seen in nearly two decades. No one got exactly what they wanted — it would take you three minutes on social media to know that — but the result is a bill that provides immediate relief to nearly every Hoosier and, when fully implemented, allows homeowners to deduct two-thirds of their assessed value to lower their property tax bill while reining in $54 billion in local government debt. We transformed some tax deductions into tax credits, a change that will result in lower actual tax bills for thousands of taxpayers; moved school referendums to even-year general election ballots to ensure better participation; and lowered the amount of local income taxes governments can collect by $1.9 billion. In short, while changes to tax policy can be complicated, Senate Enrolled Act 1 not only gives Hoosier homeowners tax relief today, but also moves Indiana to a fairer, simpler and more balanced local tax system in the near future. One of my goals as a state legislator is to ensure the voices of growing communities are represented in these debates. It was important that we find a balance between needed relief and the resources upon which communities like mine have come to rely, resources that represent critical investments in quality of life, amenities, infrastructure and key services. Carmel and Westfield, the cities I represent at the Statehouse, have enjoyed forward-thinking, fiscally responsible leadership for years. The results are demonstrative. Carmel, for example, was ranked No. 2 on the list of the Best Places to Live in 2025 by Livability & U.S. News, and both communities are consistently ranked among the best in the country. Indiana, moreover, is now ranked 7th nationally for net in-migration, with the high-earning, talented individuals Indiana needs flocking to cities in Hamilton County. That's not an accident. The strategies that Carmel and Westfield have implemented should be celebrated and enhanced by the policies coming from the Statehouse. That balance was not easy to strike and local governments and schools will, no doubt, be faced with difficult decisions in the future. But SEA 1 represents much-needed reform to a convoluted property tax system that disincentivizes these hard decisions today at taxpayers' expense. Even with these changes, schools in my district will receive more money from property taxes over the next three years, and the new state budget increases tuition support for students. I am proud of the work we did this session on this issue, and I am equally grateful for the perspectives, insights, and counsel shared by our incredible local leaders who helped legislators avoid harmful unintended consequences. As with any bill this complex, property tax reform will remain a topic of discussion in the General Assembly, and we will be making tweaks to the law moving forward. But SEA 1 is a strong step forward to helping homeowners while improving accountability in local government spending.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
‘Turn Awareness Into Action': What Indiana is doing for mental health
Mental Health America of Indiana urges readers to "Turn Awareness Into Action" during Mental Health Awareness Month. (Getty Images) Every May, Mental Health America leads the state and nation in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May throughout the United States since 1949. The month is often observed with media, local events, proclamations, and even film screenings. The purpose is to raise awareness and educate the public about mental wellness and mental illness, to reduce the stigma around the disorder. Individuals oftentimes feel alone with their illness — when in fact, one in four are at lifetime risk. But we need to do more. This year, we are not just raising awareness — we are turning that awareness into action! The national theme for 2025 is: 'Turn Awareness Into Action.' This is a call to go beyond the conversation and take real steps to improve mental well-being — whether that means checking in on a friend, calling your legislator, or reaching out for help yourself. In Indiana, this movement is already underway. Just a few years ago, our state ranked 42nd in the nation for mental health care access and outcomes. Mental Health Advocates, stakeholders, and legislators turned awareness into action in 2023 and made mental health a priority via SEA 1. SB 1 was the work product of the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission and authored by Senator Mike Crider. Today, thanks to targeted funding and legislative action, Indiana has climbed to 26th in the national ranking for behavioral health. This improvement has not been by chance, but rather the result of the strategic efforts of the Commission and the Indiana General Assembly. Legislators included a $50 million annual investment in behavioral health in HEA 1001-2023 as well as the building of the behavioral health infrastructure of crisis response, treatment access, and community care in SEA 1. While more is still needed, we have begun to take action. Behavioral Health Commission wraps up two-year study with $50M ask One of the most transformative examples is Indiana's 988 Crisis & Suicide Lifeline. This program ensures that Hoosiers can speak to trained crisis counselors 24/7 — people who live here and understand the unique needs of our state. Mental Health America of Indiana is proud to operate one of these call centers, and we've seen call volume grow by 184% in the last year alone. And behind every statistic is a story. One man called our 988 line literally with a gun to his head. Because of the assistance from the trained crisis counselor who answered, he put the gun down and agreed to safety planning. 'You've literally saved my life,' he said. He was one — of many. This is the power of action. Every Hoosier can take action! In May 2025, this Mental Health Month, please take the first step: Check your own mental health by taking a free, anonymous screening at It is totally anonymous. Start conversations with those around you — ask, 'How are you, really?' Join the movement by advocating for continued state support of Indiana's mental health system, including funding for 988 and Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs). Wear green in support of Mental Health Month and join us in being 'Seen in Green' this May. Support Mental Health America of Indiana, which provides direct care and statewide advocacy every day. To be part of MHAI, go to: The truth is, every Hoosier has the power to turn awareness into action. Whether it's through a phone call, a conversation, or a policy change — you can help build a mentally healthier Indiana. Please join us to keep moving Indiana forward. Turn your own awareness into action. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
