Porter calls out health reversions despite $4 billion surplus and surging COVID-19 cases

INDIANAPOLIS - Ranking Democrat of the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee and State Budget Committee member, State Representative Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), today called out health-related reversions despite a surplus nearing $4 billion and surging COVID-19 cases.  

A few weeks ago (July 14), state officials released Indiana’s 2021 Fiscal Closeout Report showing a $1.818 billion annual surplus and combined reserves at almost $3.922 billion. Even during a time of economic abundance, some of the essential programs serving Hoosiers were not spared by the budget-cutting knife. 

“In the midst of plenty, it’s disappointing to watch dollars that could be going to help Hoosiers return to the state surplus,” Porter said. “Most concerning were those health-related reversions amid a surging pandemic with low vaccination rates and complications from the COVID-19 Delta variant. 

“Despite the immense challenges of a health crisis, the Indiana State Department of Health sent back $1 million dollars, which will further bolster an already egregious state surplus. 

“Despite substance abuse and mental health services lacking the vital resources needed to tackle one of our state’s biggest challenges, Indiana’s Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) sent back $16 million dollars, which again will further bolster an already egregious state surplus.

“Despite many seniors still on a waiting list needing assistance to remain safe in their home during a pandemic, the state’s Community and Home Options to Institutional Care for the Elderly and Disabled (C.H.O.I.C.E.) program sent back $5 million dollars, which again will further an already egregious state surplus.

“It’s time to ask why the supermajority continues to fund an egregious state surplus despite ample community need. Since Republicans cannot help themselves but to make meaningless but consequential cuts to the programs that comprise our state budget, I will be introducing legislation for the 2022 Session that will seek to curtail the amount of reversions going forward starting with the current 2021 budget.”