Indiana Senate Republicans have put forward a two-year state spending plan without a proposed cigarette tax increase sought by the GOP-controlled House.
The $32.1 billion plan that Republican Senate Appropriations Chairman Luke Kenley announced Thursday morning would spend slightly more than the House GOP proposal. It includes a $358 million increase for K-12 education, but would provide $6 million less per year than the House and Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb wanted for the state’s preschool program for needy kids.
It also sets aside $5 million in funding for Holcomb’s new drug czar and would increase funding for special veterans’ courts by $1 million.
Budget negotiations will continue over the coming weeks as the House, Senate and governor work to agree to a final proposal.
(STORY BY AP NEWS)