HB 1416 – Remote Worker Grants and Remote Work Sites
Authored by Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne)

Establishes the remote worker grant program. Provides that the Indiana Destination Development Corporation shall administer the program, including awarding grants to a new remote worker for qualifying remote worker expenses. Requires that: (1) the corporation; and (2) the commissioner of the Department of Administration shall submit reports to the Legislative Council.

Chamber position: Support (a top priority)

The latest: Voted out of the House Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee on Tuesday 10-1. It was subsequently recommitted to the House Ways and Means Committee, where it is not yet scheduled for a hearing.

Indiana Chamber action/commentary: The global pandemic has dramatically accelerated a trend toward remote work. The number of remote workers has skyrocketed from five million to 45 million since March 2020. As the pandemic subsides, we expect over 20 million of these workers to continue to work remotely. Indiana communities can recruit these individuals to live in and contribute to the region. These are extremely valuable workers and the investment to attract these workers can be mathematically justified. Over five years they will contribute on average: 1) $340K of direct economic impact in spending and taxes; and 2) $55K of tax contribution.

Many other communities are developing successful programs to attract these workers and Indiana needs to continue competing for the best talent. This is another way for us to address our talent issue as a state.

In committee, the Indiana Chamber testified that HB 1416 is a vehicle that communities all across the state can use to attract talent and new, taxpaying residents. Furthermore, that many employers will likely need to offer “remote work” to prospective employees who seek a better work-life balance. This program will better position Indiana to compete for the new and growing universe of remote workers.

However, the bill must receive a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Rep. Tim Brown (R-Crawfordsville). At which time, we will seek $1.5 million over two years to fund the remote worker program (grants and administration costs).

Call to Action: Right now, a hearing in Ways and Means is far from certain. Please contact Chairman Brown to let him know this legislation is important to your business. He can be reached via his legislative assistant, Emily Skooglund, at (317) 232-9651 or emily.skooglund@iga.in.gov.

Resource: Adam H. Berry at (317) 264-6892 or email: aberry@indianachamber.com