Gov.-elect Mike Braun has released a detailed policy agenda focused on five areas: tax relief, government efficiency, workforce development, health care and public safety.
Many of the details in Braun’s agenda are drawn from proposals he released during the campaign — notably his property tax plan. He wants to revert property tax bills to 2021 levels and cap future increases at two to three percent.
In health care, Braun wants to expand primary care options for Medicaid members, provide small businesses with more tax support for their employees’ health insurance, and implement an independent audit of state health insurance programs.
Braun’s education plans include removing all limits on Indiana’s private school voucher program, continuing to increase teacher pay, and adding more money for school safety.
Included in that broader workforce and economic development focus area are proposals to create a new tax credit for companies that invest in higher salaries and training for their workers, and prioritizing investments in rural businesses.
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Much of his agenda will require legislative approval. But there are plans he can enact unilaterally.
That includes adding more options at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles that don’t require in-person assistance; creating a one-stop-shop in state government for Indiana farmers to access services; and establishing a commission to develop a comprehensive energy and water plan for the state.
Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.