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Senate Republicans Introduce $1.4 Billion in Property Tax Savings
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Cutting taxes has been a priority for Senate Republicans for years. In fact, we have cut 20 taxes in the last 10 years, and
Indiana has one of the lowest costs of living in the country.
Even with our property tax system ranking No. 5 in the nation for best property tax climate according to the Tax Foundation, we have made enacting meaningful property tax relief our top priority this year.
This week, we rolled out our property tax relief package. This tax legislation contains historic growth-control measures and is projected to provide $1.4 billion in property tax relief over the next three years.
It includes policies that will help all Hoosiers, like freezing local operating fund levies in 2026, curbing local debt issuances and requiring referenda that seek to raise local taxes to be conducted during general elections when voter participation is highest.
It also includes targeted cuts for Hoosiers over 65, disabled veterans, farmers and first-time homebuyers.
Senate Republicans understand many Hoosiers have been frustrated by the considerable year-over-year increases in their bills, which have largely been caused by inflationary increases in property assessed values. Property taxes are set and used locally, so it is important to balance the needs of taxpayers with those of local government budgets.
As the session progresses, I will continue to prioritize the important issue of property tax relief so all Hoosiers can thrive.
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Indiana Gaming Bill Moves To Full Senate
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This week, a bill I authored progressed through the legislative process. Senate Bill 43 passed the Senate Committee on Appropriations with bipartisan support.
SB 43 would require the Indiana Gaming Commission to conduct an independent study with the goal of identifying the top three regions in the state where a casino license could be relocated. The bill would also require the commission to submit the findings of the study to the state budget committee by Oct. 1, 2025.
I look forward to supporting this bill
as it moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
To see where my legislation stands in the legislative process, click here.
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Supporting Hoosier Educators
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Our teachers play an important role in preparing the next generation of Hoosiers for success.
That's why I was pleased to support a bill that would increase the starting salary for Hoosier teachers from $40,000 to $45,000 when it unanimously passed out of the Senate last week.
If a school district does not reach a $45,000 minimum salary for its teachers, it would need to submit a report to the Indiana Department of Education explaining why it cannot meet that threshold. Senate Bill 146 would also increase the share of state tuition support funding that schools must
spend on teacher compensation from 62% to 65%.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our teachers, Indiana's reading scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress saw impressive improvements, increasing from 19th to 6th in the nation among fourth graders and from 17th to 6th among eighth graders.
As always, I encourage residents of Senate District 17 to contact me with any questions or comments you may have. I can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Zay or by phone at 800-382-9467. |
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ABATE Members Visit Statehouse
I met with members of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) to celebrate their 2025 ABATE Day at the Statehouse this week. This nonprofit organization helps promote motorcycle safety. I had a great time meeting and talking with the members.
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Northeast Indiana 4-H Members Visit Statehouse
This week, Northeast Indiana 4-H members visited the Statehouse. I had the opportunity to meet with them and discuss the importance of the organization, and it was wonderful meeting
with the future leaders of our great state.
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Catch Up Quickly: See Session Update Video
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This session, I'm posting video updates to keep you updated on what lawmakers are discussing. These videos cover updates to bills I have authored or general information on the happenings inside the Senate for that week.
To view the videos on my Facebook page, click here.
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Leonard Rowley, 80 years old
Edith Ancil, 81 years old
George Fatkin, 82 years old
Ronald Reed, 83 years old
Sheila Lynn, 84 years old
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Betty Cruz, 85 years old
Ronald Wiley, 86 years old
Melba Campbell, 87 years old
Doris Goodwin, 88 years old
Donald Suter, 89 years old
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College Goal Sunday Coming Soon
Financial aid experts will be on hand at 39 sites across Indiana on Feb. 23 to offer free assistance for Hoosier families to file the FAFSA, which is a required form for students seeking financial aid for postsecondary education.
College Goal Sunday, the state's largest FAFSA filing event, will give families an opportunity to ask questions as they fill out the FAFSA for their college student.
The sites will open at 2 p.m. local time. For a list of the 39 sites, click here.
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