INDIANAPOLIS—On Wednesday, the Indiana State Budget Committee met to discuss the revenue forecast update for the fiscal year 2022-2023 budget cycle. State Senator Eddie Melton (D-Gary) and State Senator Fady Qaddoura (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement on the forecast report:

“I am relieved to see that our revenue forecast came in better than expected during this pandemic,” Sen. Melton said. “And while fiscal responsibility is important, legislators must not forget that there are people struggling every day from the impacts of COVID-19 and they need our help. I continue to call on Governor Holcomb to use the $700 million he has in federal relief funds to help Hoosiers who have lost their job or seen their wages reduced due to the pandemic. Our state leaders must use all resources available to keep people from losing their homes, ensure families can still afford groceries and keep schools safe so our kids can continue learning.”

“We are cautiously optimistic based on the most recent forecasted revenues that the state of Indiana may have the flexibility to prioritize spending to support our economy, help Hoosier families, and ensure that we invest in Indiana’s educational system in a thoughtful and fiscally responsible way,” Sen. Qaddoura said. “Budget spending reflects our values and priorities, and during difficult times, we must be responsive to the needs of our communities.”