FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Charbonneau: State’s improved fiscal management allows
repayment of funds to locals one year ahead of schedule
$22 million to area officials part of $800 million owed by previous state administrations
(STATEHOUSE) – Improved fiscal management of state government the past few years is allowing final repayment of funds to local governments, says State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso). More than $22 million owed to local units in Charbonneau’s district will be repaid by the end of May – fully one year ahead of schedule.
A prolonged period of deficit spending beginning in 2002 led to the payment delays to K-12 schools, universities and local units of government. Nearly $800 million was withheld from schools and local officials as a result, Charbonneau said.
Upon taking office in January of 2006, Gov. Mitch Daniels ordered repayments to begin. To date, $518 million in back payments have already been made, Charbonneau said.
“This will be a great benefit to local governments going through adjustments due to this year’s historic property tax reform legislation,” Charbonneau said.
Charbonneau said the amount each county in District 5 will receive is as follows:
- Jasper - $1,166,733
- La Porte - $4,226,049
- Marshall - $1,600,168
- Porter - $6,179,206
- Pulaski - $471,516
- St. Joseph - $8,635,007
- Starke - $607,772
According to Charbonneau, the funds will be forwarded to auditors in each county who will then distribute the appropriate amount to other taxing units.
Sen. Charbonneau represents Senate District 5, which includes Starke County and portions of Porter, LaPorte, Marshall, Jasper, Pulaski, and St. Joseph counties.
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