Pence frustrated with House budget proposals

Gov. Mike Pence announced his disappointment with the budget proposed by the Indiana House of Representatives. The proposal increases spending but does not offer any tax relief for Indiana residents.

Indiana currently has its largest budget surplus. Arguments about spending and taxes have been prevalent in the budget discussion. Pence has been advocating for an income tax cut since his gubernatorial campaign.  

“To make Indiana the state that works, we must reject the practices of borrowing, taxing and spending that left Indiana broke before Gov. Daniels took office ... Indiana must continue to pass balanced budgets without gimmicks or tax increases,” Pence said on his campaign website.

Now in the position to change the budget, Pence continues his argument.

“... This House budget increases spending without giving hardworking Hoosiers one cent of new tax relief,” Pence said in the press release. “As our administration’s budget clearly showed, we can afford to do both. Indiana can fund our priorities including increases for roads and schools and reduce the personal income tax. Since we can reduce taxes on every Hoosier, we should.”

Pence said tax relief might better Indiana’s overall economy.

“By leaving income tax relief out this early in the process, this House budget proposal does not contain the kind of balanced approach that will create jobs and opportunities for Hoosiers,” Pence said in the press release. “With so many hurting in this economy, Hoosiers deserve better...It’s time for average Hoosiers to get a break.”

— Bridget Ameche