Today the Indiana Senate recently presented a proposed state budget totaling $31.5 billion. The effects of the proposed budget would be softening the financial hit on some public schools and adding money for higher education, while setting aside $200 million a year for highway expansion.

The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 8-3 to advance the plan to the full Senate

The senate version adds an additional $466 million over two years for public education, similar to the House budget approved in March, and more than $130 million more than Gov. Mike Pence proposed.

Pence today issued the following statement after the Indiana Senate presented its budget recommendation:

“This is an education session, and I appreciate the Indiana Senate’s commitment to funding our schools in a way that will ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed. I am especially grateful for their work to increase career and vocational funding in a way that will expand pathways for Hoosier students and foster the long-term economic health and growth of our state.

“While I appreciate the Senate’s focus on school funding, I prefer the House budget’s approach to the public school funding formula where the dollars more closely follow the students in growing suburban areas. I also prefer my budget’s approach where more funding is provided to public charter schools serving students in our urban areas. My budget also includes full funding for our regional cities program, and I am hopeful we can work with the House and Senate to achieve the full potential of this innovative approach to economic development.

“Finally, on behalf of taxpayers, I will continue to urge caution on overall spending and reserve levels. As we move forward, I believe we can maintain the state’s fiscal integrity and make the kinds of investments and reforms that will keep our economy moving and help our students and our schools succeed.”