INDIANA’S STATE GOVERNMENT NAMED BEST IN THE NATION – Straight From The Senate

U.S. News and World Report recently named Indiana’s government the best in the nation.

The ranking was based on budget transparency, government digitalization, fiscal stability and state integrity. The combination of these factors ranked us first overall, but we also fared well in each individual category. According to U.S. News and World Report’s findings, Indiana ranked:
First in budget transparency;
Sixth in government digitalization; and
Eighth in fiscal stability.

These categories, however, only scratch the surface of our accomplishments. Our efforts to build an honestly balanced budget, encourage job growth and improve state government efficiencies are also important, and are recognized throughout the country.

Balanced Budget
Lawmakers are currently working to craft the state’s next two-year budget plan aimed at funding our priorities like K-12 education and public safety, and preserving “rainy-day” funds to protect taxpayers in the event of a future economic downturn.

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As the final version of the budget bill is being worked out, Statehouse Republicans are committed to passing a spending plan that continues Indiana’s status as a fiscally responsible state.

To help ensure these principles continue for years to come, the General Assembly also passed a balanced budget amendment to the Indiana Constitution. If approved by voters in the 2018 general election, this measure would prohibit state spending from exceeding state revenue unless two-thirds of the Indiana House of Representatives and Senate approve emergency spending.

Job Creation
Indiana’s pro-growth economic climate has helped us become a national leader in job creation. In the last four years, Indiana’s unemployment rate has been cut in half and now stands at 4.1 percent, which is lower than our neighboring states and the national average.

This legislative session, lawmakers have also focused on preparing the next generation for the workforce, authoring bills to change how Career and Technical Education is funded and creating a Career Explorer pilot program for eighth-grade students.

Government Efficiency
Unlike Washington D.C., Indiana understands the importance of limiting the size and scope of government. In recent years, we have cut state debt in half, achieved the 10th lowest per-capita state spending in the nation and reduced the number of state employees to the lowest level since 1982, all while maintaining Indiana’s quality of service.

These achievements and others show that state leaders are committed to finding common-sense solutions to the challenges facing Indiana, and continuing to build on our reputation as a State That Works.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns. My office can be reached by phone at 800-382-9467 or by email at Senator.Long@iga.in.gov.