Gary, IND.— Indiana State Senator Mark Spencer (D-Gary) released the following statement regarding the erroneous distribution of supplemental wagering tax revenue by the Indiana State Comptroller’s Office.

“Since the discovery of this significant accounting error, I have been in close contact with Mayor Eddie Melton, Gary City Controller Celita Green and stakeholders from the Indiana State Comptroller’s office. All parties are committed to coming to a quick solution that is fair to all communities involved.

“The Indiana Comptroller’s office has been forthright about their oversight relating to the missed deficiency payments to communities in Northwest Indiana that resulted in approximately $14 million in overpayments to the City of Gary.

“These overpayments have led to corresponding underpayments to East Chicago and Michigan City.

“The failure to disburse payments is in no way shape or form, the fault of the City of Gary, or any of the other affected communities.

“While the communities of East Chicago and Michigan City should speedily receive the dollars they are owed; this should not come at the expense of the financial stability of the City of Gary.

“I look forward to continued conversations, as we examine possible solutions that focus on empowering Northwest Indiana and the folks who call it home.”