Addressing Housing Needs

Indiana’s cost of living ranks lower than the national average, making our state one of the most affordable places to live in the country. Yet, many Hoosiers today are grappling with housing shortages and rising prices. It’s only a start, but I was proud to support the following measures to help Hoosiers find and keep their homes.

Following major tax cuts, taxpayers are projected to save $109 million in property-tax relief and more than $100 million in income-tax relief in 2024 alone.

A new law expands property-tax deduction and property-tax credit eligibility for senior-citizen homeowners, so an estimated 9,000 more seniors can be eligible for Indiana’s existing over-65 homestead deduction and credit.

Lawmakers created the State and Local Tax Review Task Force to study Indiana’s tax system, including income and property taxes, and consider measures that will keep more money in taxpayers’ pockets in the years to come.

The new 2024-25 state budget allocates $5 million for homelessness prevention grants to help those struggling to keep their homes and $75 million for the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program to spur housing development in Indiana communities. Hoosiers should never live without a roof over their head.

As your state senator, I will continue to support measures that help Hoosier families own and maintain a home.

***

Secured School Safety Grant Applications Now Open

The application period for the 2024 Secured School Safety Grant is open through July 26. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security is offering two virtual training sessions with a Q&A opportunity for those interested in learning more on July 12 and 19.

-Spencer Deery is an Indiana State Senator serving District 23 which includes Fountain, Parke, Vermillion, Warren and portions of Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.