Indiana legislators are disregarding rural communities with Senate Bill One (SB1)
If signed, Union County will lose nearly $1,000,000 in property tax revenue over a three-year period. A seven figure loss is unsustainable for any small county. If budgets start going bankrupt, then county consolidation will be the likely solution. These concerns have been voiced, but disregarded at the state-level.
The clock is ticking: Senate Bill One was approved by the House Committee yesterday (APR 10). If you oppose thiis legislation, you must contact Governor Mike Braun immediately. Call or message Gov. Braun today and demand action to protect Union County’s future! (Contact Info)
Advocates for the bill advise an income tax hike and food beverage tax to supplement SB1’s cuts. That may provide a lifeline for a short time, but it is not a solution. Smaller counties would be focusing on surviving—instead of thriving.
Gov. Braun’s signature is the final step for the bill. At a press conference following the House Committee’s approval of SB1, he gave a statement supporting it. Senate Republicans said discussions will likely take place over the weekend to determine if the Senate will concur with the House’s changes. Following several amendments and additions, not pertaining to property tax, this bill has gained support from a majority of Republicans.
On the flip side, several Democrats have spoken out against SB1. Most notably, they point out the $774 million in lost revenue for Hoosier schools. Democrats have also shed light on the potential bankruptcy of rural governments. According to online reports, the new tax plan was alternately dubbed a “great win” by Republicans and a “scam” by Democrats.
In order to stop SB1, Gov. Braun’s mind must be changed! For now, silence isn’t golden; it’s just the sound of defeat. And the louder you speak, the better the chance.
Written by Cyrus Johnson and published to Union County Connect on April 11, 2025.