House GOP Outlines Priorities

House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-88)

Listen to this story

Subscriber Benefit

As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now

This audio file is brought to you by

0:00

0:00

Loading audio file, please wait.

Speed
1.00

• 0.25
• 0.50
• 0.75
• 1.00
• 1.25
• 1.50
• 1.75
• 2.00

Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-88) says the state’s "strong fiscal foundation and economic momentum" put it in a good position to address the caucus’ legislative priorities. The Republican agenda focuses on issues including a K-12 funding increase, the opioid epidemic and government efficiency.

Bosma says a funding boost for K-12 schools is the top priority for House Republicans, citing a higher-than-expected enrollment increase at traditional public schools. Indiana currently spends about $7 billion annually on K-12 education.

He says Republicans are also focusing on workforce development to prepare for the one million jobs the Indiana Department of Workforce Development estimates the state will need to fill by 2022. House Republicans are planning to re-evaluate workforce-related programs, which Bosma says the state is spending $1 billion on, to measure return on investment. He adds legislators will push for better connections between Career Technical Education students and businesses looking to fill openings.

Bosma says House Republicans will also support efforts to expand opioid abuse treatment options, streamline local and state government reporting requirements and consolidate low-population townships.