Pence begins measures to save costs for Indiana

Gov. Mike Pence announced cost-saving measures Monday, including selling the state plane.

He announced the state will carry out the measures as the result of the November revenue report, which shows state revenue is $141 million lower than projected this fiscal year, according to a press release from Pence’s office.

Agencies will be required to withhold an additional 1.5 percent of their appropriations, delay planned expenses for the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute and require a 2-percent reserve on university operations and line items.

The steps, including selling the state plane, will save the state an additional $57 million this fiscal year.

Pence has also already implemented some cost-saving measures.

“At the start of the fiscal year Governor Pence required agencies to reserve 3 percent of their appropriations, paid off the Miami Correctional Facility bonds and transferred Medicaid and State Highway Fund surpluses to the state’s general fund,” according to the press release. “These actions already saved the state $116 million.”

A full list of cost-saving measures can be found at in.gov/sba/2361.htm.

“Fiscal integrity is the foundation of prosperity,” Pence said in a press release. “The cost-saving measures we are implementing today will ensure that Indiana remains fiscally sound during these uncertain times.”

— Matt Stefanski