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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Indiana Senate approved its version of inflation relief Saturday, setting up a showdown with the House over what the final package will look like.
The House plan is simple: send $225 checks to Hoosiers.
But Senate Republicans say that process is cumbersome and could add to inflation. Instead, Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) said they want to suspend the state sales tax on utility bills–electricity, water, gas, internet and phone–for six months. They estimate it will save the average household $120 over that time.
“This is the most efficient way to go about refunding some of the dollars back to the taxpayer,” Holdman said.
Democrats like Sen. Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) proposed a plan–which was rejected by Senate Republicans on Friday–that is similar to the House’s proposal.
“Our plan didn’t cost the state any more money than your plan and it put more money in the taxpayers’ pockets than what yours does,” Taylor said.
The Senate Republican plan, SB 3 (ss), also temporarily limits state taxes on gasoline and spends hundreds of millions of dollars to pay down state pension debt.
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Shell games. The legislature is great at making a lot of noise and avoiding the actual problems.
$225 v $120. Hmm, that’s a head scratcher…I am not saying I agree with either one but $225 to $120 and it is a better plan?.! Yes, for the State of Indiana. Geez…
So, why not just reduce the State sales tax by ~50% on all products, services, etc. where sale’s tax is paid?! Why should the State of Indiana profit off of the inflationary pricing that is causing financial damage to its citizens? If inflation goes up…prices go up… then the State of Indiana sale’s taxes generate greater tax revenues off of the inflation hitting your constituents. That may be legal in their minds, but just because something is legal, doesn’t make it moral.
Better yet; $225 or $120 are not going to appreciably change anyone’s circumstances. How about paying down debt???
Just typical political mumbo jumble and egos.