Debate over property tax reform began in the second half of the legislative session Wednesday the same way it ended the first half – with local government leaders sounding the alarm on their budgets, while Gov. Mike Braun’s office pressed for taxpayer relief.

A House committee unanimously advanced a bill Monday that aims to address Indiana’s road funding needs — but not before eliminating multiple provisions that would have generated new revenue.

Gov. Mike Braun used his first State of the State address to make the case for his policy priorities to lawmakers and the public.

School officials and representatives raised concerns to state lawmakers Tuesday about how some tax reform measures could hurt public school districts. Schools receive a large portion of their funding through local property taxes, and some advocates said reducing those taxes without replacing that funding could leave some schools in a financial crisis.

Indiana House Republicans' 2022 agenda is led by efforts to cut $1 billion in taxes and curb COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

A study from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy estimates that total giving could drop by $13.1 billion.

Notre Dame estimates it could lose between $8 million to $10 million per year due to changes included in the federal tax reform bill approved by Congress Wednesday.

A previous version of the tax reform measure would have classified the tuition waivers students receive for research and teaching classes as taxable income.

Republicans in Congress approved a sweeping and controversial $1.5 trillion tax overhaul, with the Senate voting early Wednesday along straight party lines.

Among Indiana's House delegation, the vote split evenly along part lines: the two Democrats voted no while all seven Republicans voted in favor.