FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hershman: Beyond Property Taxes, New Laws
to Improve Consumer Protections, Education,
Environment, Healthcare, Public Safety
(Statehouse) June 27, 2008 – Beyond historic property tax reforms, new Indiana laws going into effect on July 1 will help improve consumer protections, education, environment, healthcare and public safety for Hoosiers, says State Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield).
“We went into the session with property tax reform – cuts, caps and a constitutional guarantee – being job one,” Hershman said. “Hoosiers should know lawmakers also addressed many other concerns.”
In all, 95 new state laws will go into effect on July 1. Hershman worked on a number of pieces of legislation this session including HEA 1204 which he helped craft to increase 911 efficiency, save tax dollars and help communities invest in the latest technology. The bill consolidates 911 dispatch centers, allowing two per county by 2015.
Hershman also worked to streamline state and federal regulations on rebuilding flood swept homes, allowing many homeowners in White, Jasper and Carroll counties to rebuild, if raised two feet above 100-year flood level. Previously state law would have prevented rebuilding. Hershman said the law will also positively impact many people whose homes were devastated throughout Central Indiana from recent record flooding.
Hershman co-sponsored HEA 1250 to direct funding to economic, environmental and recreational opportunities in Tippecanoe County, including Prophetstown State Park, and authored an amendment to the bill providing the first dedicated funding stream to redevelop the Wabash riverfront.
Also, Hershman authored SEA 360 which gives retailers and local governments grants to invest in E-85 fuel pumps without spending state tax dollars. Greater access to E-85 –- a fuel blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline – encourages investment in flex fuel vehicles by providing lower cost options to gasoline.
Hershman also co-authored HEA 1318 which repeals the $10 motorcycle registration charge and implements a 30-cent fee on all motor vehicle registrations to continue funding spinal cord and brain injury research. This healthcare investment could raise over $1.6 million annually, create jobs and qualify Indiana for additional research dollars.
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Hershman represents Senate District 7, which includes Carroll, Clinton, Howard, Jasper, Tippecanoe and White counties.
Link to all new laws |
