Sen. Ryan Mishler

By Sen. Ryan Mishler (R- Bremen)

While the federal debt inflates toward $18 trillion, Indiana has decreased its debt by 50 percent. Other states operate in the red year after year, but Indiana recently closed out another fiscal year with a balanced budget and significant reserves.

In Indiana, we believe government should balance its checkbook just as millions of Hoosier families do every day. In addition to paying off our debts, we keep taxes low while maintaining an efficient government.

Our financial responsibility allows us to invest in public services that support economic mobility – like education and infrastructure improvement. Indiana’s current budget increases K-12 education funding by more than $300 million and higher education by more than $100 million. We’ve also increased funding for roads and bridges by more than $400 million through 2015 to pay for critical repairs and advancements.

Our state has cut taxes for individuals, families and employers. These financial achievements have not gone unnoticed. Indiana is one of 11 states that maintains a triple-A credit rating by all of the major independent credit-rating agencies. We also rank first in the Midwest and 10th nationally in the Tax Foundation’s 2014 Business Tax Climate Index. A recent report from Standard and Poor’s names Indiana as one of only six states positioned to weather any future economic downturns.

Indiana’s business friendly environment and low taxes help us attract employers to come to our state and create more jobs for Hoosier workers. This formula for success has helped us outpace most states in economic growth. Indiana’s private sector added 10,000 jobs last month. This year alone, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation announced it has worked with 173 companies that have decided to expand or establish new business operations in Indiana, which will result in more than 17,040 projected new jobs.

Even though our finances are in good shape, we’re not immune to the unpredictable performance of the national economy. To ensure the well-being of Hoosier families, we must continue to maintain appropriate reserves within our state’s budget.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, I will work to protect and promote responsible use of Hoosier tax dollars during the next budget session of the General Assembly, which begins in January.