Challenges Grant Program News Today

Its no secret Hoosiers, like many Americans, face numerous health challenges like drug use, food insecurity and obesity, and high rates of smoking.

Update: The Senate passed its version of the $35.8 billion state budget Tuesday by a 39-10 vote, with one Democrat joining all Republicans to approve the measure.  Democrats unsuccessfully tried to amend the budget on Monday to raise the minimum wage, increase the cigarette tax, restore various line items that had been cut 15% during the pandemic, increase teacher pay and put an end to phased-in corporation tax cuts implemented under former Gov. Mike Pence, among other amendments.  "Its sti...

Unlike the House proposal, the Senates version does not include a cigarette tax increase. It still does include money for police training to replace dollars that usually comes from the purchase of lifetime handgun carry permits. Senate president Pro Tempore Rodric Bray had promised to make the permit free when he killed a bill to completely nix any permit requirement. On the mental health side, the Senate is dedicating $50 million for the Health Issues and Challenges Grant Program and $100 mill...

Senate Republicans dedicated more money for mental health resources and students living in poverty in their version of the 2-year $35.8 billion budget Thursday, a proposal that Senate Democrats praised as at least a step forward.  Still, Democrats had concerns about the lack of a cigarette tax increase, absence of action to address teacher pay and what they see as an inequitable school-funding formula. They unsuccessfully tried to amend the budget and likely will try again before it passes t...