Pryor attempts to enhance tax credit to work for more Hoosiers

INDIANAPOLIS – State Representative Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) today attempted to make tax credits for Indiana businesses work better for Hoosiers. Pryor’s first amendment would have required employers receiving Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit to implement reasonable employment accommodations for pregnant employees. Her second amendment would have required a company to provide a 12-week maternity and paternity leave program in order to qualify for the EDGE tax credit.

“It is not enough to use the EDGE Tax Credit to just create jobs,” Pryor said. “Indiana needs 21st century career opportunities that are attractive to the talent within and outside of our state. For too long we have seen educated, skilled labor leave our state to secure jobs that offer more progressive benefits.”

Governor Holcomb called for similar pregnancy accommodation legislation in his 2020 agenda, and it builds upon Indiana House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta’s (D-Fort Wayne) opening remarks at the beginning of the 2020 legislative session, when he called for us to invest in our workforce and human capital.

“The amendments today should have passed with bipartisan support,” Pryor said. “When we give companies tax credits, this legislative body should hold them to a higher standard.”

The amendments were blocked from discussion on the House floor.