Indiana lawmakers created an automatic taxpayer refund in 2011, but the state was at least $150 million away from hitting the refund trigger this year.

Most of the nearly 300 new laws crafted by the General Assembly this year take effect Monday.

Neither Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb nor legislative leaders sought to include money for additional grants in the new state budget adopted last month.

The states new, two-year budget allows funding for kindergartners who are 5 by Sept. 1 this year.

Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the states next two-year budget into law Monday as he defended how Republican budget writers prioritized the states dollars.

Hoosiers now know what the state budget will look like for the next two years. It boosts funding for education, but schools with declining enrollment will still lose money.

Gov. Eric Holcomb joined caucus leaders and members from some education groups to announce the budget agreement.

Much of the testimony focused on education spending, with teacher and school advocates pushing for more money.

Some lawmakers say the passenger line is part of Indiana's economic future.

Senate Republicans rejected nearly 20 amendments offered by Democrats to the budget bill Monday. The Senate will vote on the budget Tuesday. The state revenue forecast will be released Wednesday.