Zay previewed the proposal in a congressional campaign message. Photo from Zay’s campaign Facebook page.

By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
Indiana Capital Chronicle

INDIANA — State Sen. Andy Zay said Wednesday that he will introduce legislation considering fetuses dependent children — allowing expectant parents to claim an income tax exemption worth $2,500.

Zay, who is running to represent Indiana’s Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, made the announcement in a campaign news release rather than from his sitting office.

The Republican from Huntington said the bill “further values the lives of unborn babies” and “supports parents’ ability to provide for their families” by allowing Hoosiers to claim the exemption during pregnancy.

The legislation would benefit about 60,000 families annually, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency, and would save them $7 million each year collectively.

Zay, a devout Catholic and father of five, emphasized his support for “pro-life legislation that protects unborn babies and supports parents,” including the near-total abortion ban lawmakers passed in 2022.

“As an Indiana lawmaker, it is my duty to support legislation that benefits all Hoosiers, and this is part of my effort to do so,” said Zay. “As your congressman, I will continue to author and support legislation that will provide support for all American families.”

Georgia residents can claim a similar $3,000 tax credit — one of the lesser-known portions of Georgia’s heartbeat abortion ban. The ban took effect on July 20, 2022, after court rulings by both the U.S. Supreme Court and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Zay faces a competitive primary in northeast Indiana following U.S. Rep. Jim Banks’ decision to run for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by gubernatorial candidate Mike Braun.

Candidates also running for the district include: former U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, former Allen County Circuit Court Judge Wendy Davis, nonprofit executive Tim Smith, Auburn lawyer Chandler Likes, Warsaw maintenance technician and military veteran Mike Felker and Jon Kenworthy, a military veteran and former political staffer.