Ways and means looks for funding options
INDIANAPOLIS – The House Ways and Means Committee heard testimony Wednesday from state officials in search of continued state funding.
Representatives from Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman’s office testified first about what Skillman considers to be funding priorities for this budget.
They cited the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs. Since about 44 percent of Indiana’s population resides in rural areas, OCRA is important in dealing with economic development in rural areas. OCRA is also a major player in disaster relief, the representatives said.
The representatives also explained the importance of the Indiana Office of Energy and Defense Development.
Ways and Means Chairperson Bill Crawford, D-Indianapolis, expressed interest in maximizing Indiana’s potential for green jobs. Indiana is currently ranked 14th in the nation in wind development potential.
Indiana tourism was also a point of concern in the meeting. Members of the committee were interested in continuing to promote Indiana in tourism media to generate revenue outside of tax dollars.
Secretary of Commerce Mitch Roob testified that Indiana’s economy “remained remarkably resilient” in spite of the slowdown in the auto industry. He said, though, this was like a person saying he or she was perfectly fine despite missing an arm.
“2009 will be a difficult year,” Roob said.
Roob also stated said the life sciences fund has been “zeroed out” for the time being. Rep. Peggy Welch, D-Bloomington, questioned the economic impact of the life sciences program versus the 21st Century Research and Technology Fund, which still would receive money. Roob replied that they “need a robust 21st Century fund” to make other programs work.
Rep. Randy Borror, R-Ft. Wayne, pointed out that about two-thirds of the 21st Century Fund actually went toward life sciences programs, and Roob confirmed that statement.
According to 21fund.org, the 21st Century Fund was created in 1999 to “stimulate the process of diversifying the state's economy by developing and commercializing advanced technologies in Indiana.”
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture gave the final presentation. Anne Hazlett, Indiana Agriculture Director, discussed the impact and success of agriculture in Indiana.
The ISDA requested $16.8 million for their biennium budget. A majority of this money would go into the clean water Indiana fund.
