Dozens of people witnessed before the House of Representatives Roads Committee on Thursday to request the committee to either continue to finance or increase funding in a two -year budget that the legislative body formulates.
In the 2025 legislative session, the legislative body will formulate a budget to cover state financing over the next two years. The legislature will determine how to spend $ 44 billion for schools and health care insurance programs and infrastructure, among other things.
Angel Acosta, a novice student at the Cardinal Rieter Secondary School in Indianapolis, witnessed the committee to continue financing the vocational scholarship account program, which was created in 2023 and granted $ 5,000 per student in the school year to participate in job preparation programs.
Through CSA, Acosta said he learns HVAC skills. Acosta, a first -generation of Mexican America, said he is from a family of the lower middle class and helps his mother and brother's support.
“What I am grateful to is CSA's financial support. Acosta said:“ The financial burden that has been raised from me and many other students. ”“ The Cardinal Richter High School gave me a privilege that I am among the deals in which I can get a good wage for living and provide my family If anything happens, after I get my license, of course. “
Acosta said that his dream is to become a lawyer to defend those who suffer from injustice.
“Unfortunately, because of the recent changes in the world, I am not very sure whether I will have this opportunity one day,” said Acosta.
Through CSA, Acosta said that working in HVAC has provided him with a backup plan as a way to provide his family.
The deputy of the Parliament and Roads Committee, Mike Andradi, Monster, told Acosta that he is also from the first generation of Mexican America. Andradi said his goal is to become a lawyer, and he is now a state legislator.
“I'm very proud of you. Keep pressing. Keep working hard. Andradi said:” You can achieve anything you want in life. “
Emily Bryant, Executive Director of Indian Nutrients, said in 2024, the organization distributed about 140 million pounds of food, which represents an increase of 8 million pounds of 2023.
Bryant said the organization is estimated at two million dollars, annually, from the next budget allocated to it.
Sarah Buslette, the former head of the Indiana branch at the American Academy of Pediatrics, requested $ 300,000 to finance the care program, which helps families communicate with mental health care for children.
KACIE Chase, Vice President of Performance Improvement at LifeSpring Health Systems request an additional $ 53.1 million for the Community Mental Health Fund and $ 21 million every year towards mass homes for individuals with serious mental illness.
Erica Brezz, director of the Middle West Policies with Rails to Trails Conservance, asked the committee to finance tracks over the next two years.
Brigz said that the organization highlights Indiana as a model for success in the nation because it realizes that the paths as effective investments stimulate economic development, improve public health and the quality of amenities in life.
In the past six years, Indiana has invested $ 180 million to develop and connect local and regional trail networks, Brigz said. Unfortunately, Briggs said, the proposed budget for two years does not include the financing of tracks.
“Indiana will not lose its place as a leader only; unfortunately, it will decrease to the dead in the nation.”
Brigz said that the committee should allocate $ 30 million towards tracks, which reflects a 5 % decrease in the funds required for other state agencies to do so.
“The tracks … are the basic infrastructure where small investments have great returns,” said Briggs.
The committee should continue to invest in paths in the next budget. She said the tracks are an investment in infrastructure, installed economic engines and a catalyst for job creation.
“Societies throughout Indiana, from our largest cities to our smallest cities, see directly the transformative power of paths. They attract visitors, support local companies and increase real estate values.
Moreover, tracks help improve public health. Studies have shown that every one who investizes the tracks translates into savings of $ 3 in healthcare costs by reducing the rates of disease, obesity and mental health.
Hazel said the tracks also help to maintain green spaces, protect wildlife and provide community connection.
Asali said: “Without continuous investment, we risk momentum and leave countless projects for the unprofible shovel,” Aseli said.
The draft law will continue to be heard in the committee.
akukulka@chicagotribune.com
