Pryor’s amendments struck down in Ways and Means Committee

Today, Feb. 17, State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis) offered several amendments to the state budget during the House Committee on Ways and Means. These amendments were focused on increasing the quality of life of working Hoosiers, first responders and new mothers. 

Three of the amendments Pryor offered focused on supporting working Hoosiers by expanding the allocation for mass public transportation from $45 million to $65 million, increasing the renter’s deduction by $1,000 and exempting breastfeeding items from state sales tax. 

“Indiana recently ranked as the 6th highest state in the nation for the percent of adults who experienced difficulty keeping up with everyday expenses,” Pryor said. “Part of this affordability crisis comes down to the high cost of renting and lack of access to public transportation. 

“Indiana is one of the worst states in the nation to be a renter. I offered an amendment to give Hoosier renters some relief with an increased renter’s deduction. In Indianapolis, a quarter of all renters are severely cost-burdened, meaning they are forced to spend half of their income on rent. When people are paying a majority of their income to keep a roof over their heads, they struggle to keep up with the increasing cost of living in terms of utilities and groceries. This amendment would have put money back into the pockets of Hoosier renters. 

“Additionally, I offered an amendment to increase the allocation for mass public transportation. With the increasing cost of living, many people simply cannot afford the cost of owning a car and paying for gas. This is why it is so important to make sure that we have adequate public transportation. Access to public transportation has been shown to significantly increase quality of life as people can reach employment opportunities, grocery stores, resources, doctor's appointments and more. 

“I also offered an amendment to make breastfeeding items exempt from the state sales tax. Charging a sales tax for necessary items such as breast pumps creates barriers for new mothers that increases the difficulty of an already challenging time. These items provide the basic need of food to our newborn babies.”  

Pryor also offered an amendment using the language from House Bill 1352, authored by State Rep. Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), to establish the Indiana first responders mental health wellness fund and program. 

“The rate of suicide amongst first responders is significantly higher than the rest of the population. These brave individuals put themselves in harm's way to protect their communities. From running into a burning building, to resuscitating someone after a car accident, to showing up to a crime scene, first responders regularly experience traumatic situations. This amendment, which inserts language from HB 1352 authored by Rep. Carolyn Jackson, would establish a fund to help first responders access mental health resources that could save their lives.” 

All of Pryor’s amendments were struck down by the Republican supermajority.