INDIANAPOLIS—The Senate recently considered a proposal that would expand legislation previously passed by Assistant Senate Democratic Leader Jean D. Breaux (D-Indianapolis) to give resources to foster children. Senate Bill (SB) 185 would extend a previously approved act to include the purchasing of a vehicle for purposes of driving to and from work or school. The purchase would have to be less than $10,000. 

“I was happy to guide individual development account legislation to enactment a few years ago,” said Sen. Breaux. “Now, I am thrilled to see the Senate enhancing the proposal to give more resources to those leaving the foster care system.”

Passed in 2010, Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 389 requires caseworkers to provide foster care children with information about individual development accounts. These accounts allow low-income individuals to deposit money into a savings program that the state matches up to a certain amount. The savings can be used for tuition, purchasing a house or starting a business.

The law provides children with a better understanding of financial opportunities available to them once they leave the foster care system.

SB 185 passed unanimously out of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the full Senate. The bill will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Sen. Breaux represents Indiana Senate District 34 which includes the near eastside of Indianapolis including portions of Center, Washington, Lawrence and Warren Townships. For more information on Sen. Breaux’s legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.IN.gov/S34.

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NOTE TO THE EDITOR: A photo of Sen. Jean Breaux can be downloaded at:
http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/images/headshots/Breaux.jpg