Senate Considers Spending $2 Million To Fix Economic Damage Caused By RFRA

Senate budget leaders are proposing setting aside more than $2 million to help boost Indiana’s economy after fears it’s taking a hit because of the religious freedom debate.

Outrage over the religious freedom bill prompted threats of boycotts against the state and caused some companies and conventions to reconsider their ties to Indiana. 

Senate budget architect Luke Kenley says passing the follow-up bill to clarify the original religious freedom law was an important step.  And to help restore Indiana’s image, Kenley says he’s increased tourism funding by $1 million a year in the Senate’s version of the budget. 

The Noblesville Republican says he’s also putting state money into a program called “Launch Indiana.”  The initiative, which exists in a few locations around the state, provides young entrepreneurs with resources aimed at helping them launch a business.

“And this Launch Indiana shows a facilitative way that the state, Ball State University, and the Lt. Gov.’s office, working with these areas where they have these things established, are trying to make that concept available to these people,” Kenley said.

The Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday approved the budget bill.  It now heads to the Senate floor.