Speaker Bosma honored with
National Charter Champion Award

STATEHOUSE—House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) was presented with the 2012 Charter Champion Award from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools in Washington, D.C. during National Charter Schools Week. “We are honored that Speaker Bosma has gained national recognition for his long-time efforts to expand high quality education options for children,” says Russ Simnick, President of the Indiana Public Charter Schools Association. “His award once again puts the spotlight on Indiana as a leader in education,” Simnick adds. Indiana House Republicans, lead by Speaker Bosma, championed education choice and reform issues over the past two years and have been cited as an example for many other states to follow in the area of school vouchers and charter schools. In addition, under the House Republican’s fiscal leadership they were able to make the most significant investment in early education by fully funding full-day Kindergarten for the first time in the state’s history.

“I am humbled to be recognized by such an outstanding organization and I am grateful to those that are responsible for this nomination,” said Speaker Bosma. “I have been an advocate for charter schools since the early days of the charter movement. Parents, regardless of income or zip code, deserve the right to decide what type of school best serves their child’s needs.”

Last year, Speaker Bosma received the Legislator of the Year award from the Indiana Public Charter School Association recognizing the Speaker’s long-time support of public charter schools. He also received the Golden Apple award from Indiana Virtual Families for his tireless work to gain the passage of funding for the virtual school program in the 2009 state budget.

In his public capacity, Speaker Bosma serves constituents in parts of Marion and Hamilton Counties. He was first elected to the General Assembly in 1986, previously served as Speaker in 2004-2006 and was re-elected by members of the Republican Caucus to serve as Speaker again during the 117th General Assembly. He is a partner with Kroger Gardis and Regas, LLP, and is also a founding director of Bosma Industries for the Blind and the Bosma Visionary Opportunities Foundation.

“The path for more education options in Indiana has been a long battle but I will continue to protect and fight for all children and families who wish to have school choice, said Speaker Bosma. “I am pleased that under House Republicans those high quality options have become available to Hoosiers across the state.”

Historic Invesment in Funding Full-Day
Kindergarten a First for Hoosiers

STATEHOUSE— Today, two key pieces of legislation supported by House Republicans was signed into law by the Governor. The first, House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1376 will provide additional funding to state fair stage collapse victims, increase funding for full day kindergarten, and improve the Automatic Taxpayer Refund.

“Last year a tragedy in our community occurred with the collapse of the stage at the State Fair.  Our prayers and thoughts go out to those affected by this tragedy. No amount of money will make up for what occurred, but we felt that we could do better by the victims and their families,” said Speaker Bosma.

HEA 1376 will increase the amount of compensation available for victims of the state fair stage collapse from $5 million to $11 million.

The legislation would also double the per student grant for full day kindergarten by providing an additional $80-100 million in funding—an increase from $1,227 per student to $2,400 per student. HEA 1376 provides the most significant investment in full day kindergarten in state history.

"We must continue to invest in the future of Indiana.

“For the first time in Indiana’s history we have completed the funding of full-day kindergarten to better provide every child an education that will serve as a foundation,” said Speaker Bosma.

HEA 1376 enhances the Automatic Taxpayer Refund which was created last year. Current projections indicate that four million Hoosiers could receive a refund of at least $50 each when they file their 2012 tax returns next spring.

Another important piece of legislation signed into law today was the Inheritance Tax bill, Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 293. This legislation will allow small business owners, farmers and individuals who have acquired savings and assets to pass these to their children or others without tax.

Indiana is the only state that does not exempt direct descendants’ children and grandchildren from paying the inheritance tax. Indiana’s neighboring states, Michigan and Ohio, do not have inheritance taxes, and Kentucky does not tax on transfers to children.

Indiana’s inheritance tax rate can range from one percent to as high as 20 percent of a person’s inheritance; 20 percent is the highest possible inheritance tax rate of any state.

The bill would raise the exemption in year one and phase out the Indiana Inheritance Tax over the next nine years starting in 2013. It phases out inheritance tax replacement amounts payable to counties over 10 years. Every year, incremental reductions of approximately $14 million would be removed from the State’s inheritance tax revenue.

The bill, once fully phased in, is estimated to keep as much as $165 million in the pockets of taxpayers each year. 

“I can confidently say that House Republicans have fulfilled their promises and enacted legislation that will significantly continue to strengthen Indiana,” said Speaker Bosma.

Above: Speaker Bosma was present as Gov. Mitch Daniels signed HEA 1376.