INDIANAPOLIS—On Friday, the Indiana Fiscal Close-Out statement for the year was released. Fiscal Year 2022 will close with a combined balance of over $6.1B in the General Fund. Ranking Minority Member on the Appropriations Committee and Budget Committee member Eddie Melton (D-Gary) released the following statement:

“The state of Indiana’s books are in a strong financial position, but I would argue it’s fiscally irresponsible to celebrate a $6.1B surplus made up of taxpayer’s money when Hoosiers are struggling to make ends meet right now. With these funds, we could and should be making much-needed investments in Pre-16 education, public safety, healthcare and other essential social infrastructure areas to support Hoosiers and their families. I’m especially concerned about our lack of progress in educational attainment and the impact that failure has on our economic future. I’ll be fighting alongside my caucus during the upcoming special and budget sessions to push for ongoing, long-term relief for Hoosiers with a focus on critical areas of need in our state.”