Porter urges good governance on upcoming state budget proceedings

INDIANAPOLIS – State Representative Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), ranking Democrat on the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee, today called for transparency and ample public testimony as the committee begins discussing the biennial state budget.

“By working together, constituents, advocates and legislators can truly prepare a people's budget,” Porter said. “It is the duty of elected officials to answer to those who put us in office by putting forth a two-year fiscal plan reflective of the needs and wants of Hoosiers.

“Unfortunately, tonight's testimony will not be on the majority's proposed budget, which will likely be adopted, but instead be on the Governor's proposal which will soon be changed by Chairman Tim Brown's (R-Crawfordsville) amendment. House Bill 1001 is arguably the most impactful piece of legislation moving through the Indiana General Assembly. I am urging my Republican colleagues to do this the right way and give the public reasonable time for input and oversight instead of just the appearances of it.”