HB 1001 / Chamber Supports in Part
Last week, the House Ways and Means Committee held a nearly six-hour hearing on House Bill 1001, Gov. Mike Braun’s proposed budget for the next two years. The $54 billion, 122-page budget drew testimony from more than 90 witnesses, covering topics such as education funding, school choice, economic development and healthcare funding. This week, the committee will begin markup ahead of the February 17 deadline for bills to advance to the full House.
The Chamber expressed support for key provisions in the budget while advocating for strategic investments that benefit the business community. House Bill 1001 proposes a Hoosier Workforce Upskill Program, allocating $15 million in grants to help employers offset training costs – an important tool for workforce development. Additionally, the Chamber continues to push for level or increased funding for the Manufacturing Readiness Grant program, which supports small- and mid-sized businesses investing in advanced technology. The last budget allocated $20 million per year for these grants.
Another Chamber priority is maintaining at least $10 million in funding for the Direct Flights program, which supports nonstop air travel to key domestic and international destinations. The recent addition of a nonstop flight to Dublin, Ireland underscores the program’s value in expanding global connectivity for Hoosiers and the business community.
Finally, the Chamber remains committed to advocating for a minimum $2 per pack increase in the cigarette tax, which has been unchanged since 2007. Indiana’s low tax rate contributes to higher smoking rates and associated health issues, impacting workforce productivity. Raising the tax would be a critical step toward improving public health and sustaining economic growth.
