Voice of the People
Earlier this session, many of you sent me your views and concerns in a
legislative survey. I appreciate this very much. As this session continues,
it is important that we retain an open path of communication so that I can
best serve you. During my time in the Indiana House of Representatives, I am
committed to fairness and accountability regarding our government and the
state tax structure by disclosing fiscal impacts of the budget to Hoosiers.
This budget must be honestly balanced with no gimmicks, payment delays, or
fund transfers.
I do not support general tax increases and am a strong advocate of
comprehensive tax reform. I also am committed to helping provide an honestly
balanced budget that controls state spending and provides property tax
protection for homeowners in 2007. This can be accomplished by freezing
Homeowner Property Taxes for 2007, protecting taxpayers from further
burdens. However, with an honestly balanced budget, we cannot make up for
frozen property taxes by increasing taxes in other places. Instead, we must
limit our spending to no more than our revenue.
Furthermore, we must protect the programs that are already in place. We must
see no diversion of the Major Moves fund, which has already created over
$100 million for our state’s economy through the fund’s interest-bearing
account. Throughout the past two years, we have been able to retain a
balanced budget without increasing taxes. This is proof that we can fund
programs without weighing down taxpayers. One of the programs that should
have continued support is our welfare system, which is in need of 200
additional welfare caseworkers.
Regarding the state’s budget for this biennium, my standards include
resisting a new corporate tax. As we try to better our state’s economy, we
must improve Indiana’s image as a business-friendly state, bringing quality
jobs to Northwest Indiana and the rest of the state.
As the House continues to debate Indiana’s budget, I encourage you to
contact me with questions or concerns via email at h4@in.gov, or by calling
the Statehouse toll-free at 1-800-382-9841. It is also possible to write me
at 200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Rep. Ed Soliday
Posted 2/22/2007
