House Republicans Outline Legislative Agenda
House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-88)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana House Republicans have laid out their 2016 legislative agenda. Like their counterparts in the Indiana Senate and Governor Mike Pence, road funding and education are listed as top priorities.
House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-88) says the state needs about $1.5 billion in additional funding per year to maintain and improve its infrastructure. House Republicans will unveil the details of their funding plan on Monday.
Pence has already proposed his 21st Century Crossroads program which would make $1 billion in new state road funding available over the next four years. Senate Bill 67, currently moving through the legislature, would also make $418 million available immediately.
"We are facing a heavy lift, as we address issues ranging from sustainable infrastructure funding to problems with the state’s ISTEP testing," said Bosma. "We are committed to leading Indiana forward and working together for a productive 2016 session."
On the education side, Bosma says Republican lawmakers are working on creating a framework for implementing a more streamlined standardized test in place of the ISTEP. Republicans are also supporting legislation that would ensure teachers and schools are not penalized because of lower ISTEP scores in the 2014-2015 school year.
Bosma also plans to introduce legislation creating the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, which would provide students in the top 20 percent of their class up to $7,500 per year to cover tuition, if they commit to teaching in Indiana schools for at least five years. House Republicans also plan to work on enhancing teacher licensing and career opportunities.
Also in line with Pence and Senate Republicans, Bosma says House Republicans will support tougher penalties for drug dealers and focus on substance abuse and treatment options. They also will work to restrict meth-making materials.
"We are dedicated to executing our legislative responsibilities effectively and efficiently, which means completing our work on time and under budget this session. We will also work to maintain civility and a bipartisan environment," Bosma said. "House Republicans remain focused on enacting policies that complement our AAA credit rating and strong reserves, and enhance our top-ranked economic climate. "