The Indiana Senate adopts a controversial property tax overhaul

Indianapolis – After a marathon session which extended in the early hours of the morning, the Indiana Senate adopted the Senate bill on Tuesday.

THE Controversial invoice for land tax reliefWho spent 27-22 years, had aroused strong criticism from educators and members of the community through the State.

The bill will reduce the amount of land tax revenue which goes to public schools. Traditional public schools will also have to share local referendum dollars with certain charter schools.

The bill is now heading to the Governor's office for its signature.

The Governor of Indiana Mike Braun published this declaration early Tuesday morning:

“This is the historical relief of land tax. The Senate 1 bill reduces land taxes for most owners, farmers and hoster companies, limits future tax increases and makes the tax system more equitable, more transparent and easier to understand. The relief of real estate tax was a basic promise of my program of freedom and opportunity and with the collaborative leadership of our legislators, we offer real savings and protections for taxpayers. I can't wait to sign the bill as soon as I receive it. “”

The president of the Senate Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinville) made this declaration:

“The Republicans of the Senate have made SB 1 our absolute priority because we know how important the reduction in property tax is for the owners,” said. “How many things can we say that we are paying less for this year compared to last year? This bill is absolutely a victory for the owners, who are a key demography in a healthy community.”

The senator of the Travis Holdman (R-Markle) state, the author of the bill, made this declaration after the vote:

“I do not thank our partners in the House of Representatives and the Governor enough for their collaboration and their determination while we are working towards a policy that provides a fair balance between the needs of local governments and owners of Hoosier,” said Holdman. “I believe that we have landed on a policy that provides immediate alleviation and long -term reforms that will promote more transparency for our taxpayers.”

A Declaration of the Democratic Caucus of the Indiana Senate said that it had introduced more than 60 modifications to HB 1001 this week:

“They were not symbolic gestures – they were serious and targeted proposals shaped by the real needs of the Hoosiers,” said the head of the Senate minority, Sheli Yoder (D -Bloolomington). “We knew that all the amendments would not pass. But the fact that this room refused to accept even one – regardless of the cost or the impact – does not govern. He is made of stone. “

Earlier on Monday, Indiana teachers filled the Statehouse on Monday, April 14, as part of the “Action Day” of the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA).

Many teachers were Motivated by Bill 1 of the Senate. Indianapolis public schools (IPS),, Pike canton schools And MONROE County Community Schools Every day of online apprenticeships declared for Monday because they provided that many teachers would cancel to participate in the demonstration.

“We recognize that many staff members will attend a day of action at the Indiana Statehouse on Monday, April 14, and we support the advocacy of our staff members, as well as the advocacy demonstrated by so many of our families,” read part of the IPS declaration. “Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to identify enough staff coverage to feel confident in our ability to safely operate schools on Monday, April 14, while staff members are absent. We apologize for the disadvantage that this can cause families because it is not a decision that is taken lightly.”

April 14 was a busy day at the State House, where senators were initially to vote on SB 1 And Their budget versionHB 1001. ISTA was supported for part of this budget, which took a step back from the financing of universal school vouchers.

“The decision to more suspend the expansion of the Private Schools Program, in particular for the richest families, is a practical choice given the expected lower income forecasts”, ” Read the Ista declaration, in part.

“The quality of the schools cannot remain the same with less funding. It is quite basic mathematics. This mathematics is not mathematics,” said Nathan Ferguson, professor of eighth year mathematics at Eastwood Middle School.

Ferguson was one of the hundreds of teachers who attended the Rally at the Statehouse. Students also participated.

“I have been in public schools all my life and I really like my teachers,” said a sixth year student at 13news. “I want to support my teachers, that's why I'm here.”

“I just hope that all supporters show the governor and state legislators, and that they also feel the support of our public schools and begin to appreciate what we appreciate,” said Veronic Fife-Demski, a pre-K teacher who attended the rally.

The legislators delayed the start of the session of the Senate where they were to vote on SB1 of several hours.

Two legislators weighed on the possibility that an East Indiana school district is closed if the bill adopts.

“The Union School Corporation has faced long -standing challenges, in particular some of the lowest reading skills in the state and the decline in registrations. Only 42.6% of their third -year students have successfully completed the assessment and determination of the Indiana in reading (IREAD), against more than 90% in neighboring neighborhoods, and more than 60% of students who live within the limits of the district were transferred. Quality education. – The representative of the JD Prescott State (R-Union City)

“This amendment was proposed due to the scores of reading and evaluation of the state of reading and the State of Union School Corporation, which are among the lowest in the State – 44.2% adopted the IREAD in 2025, only 3.7% are tested in mathematics and the arts of the English language in Ilearn, and 29.62% tested deeply in English and mathematics Sat. – State senator Scott Alexander (R-Muncie)