Governor touts 2019 legislative successes as he signs $34.6 billion biennial budget

"We have checked off our end-of list and we're not looking back," Holcomb said less than a week after the end of the Indiana General Assembly session.

"Our state strategy for growth continues to help define how we structure ourselves regardless of the issue that we're taking on. Whether it be workforce development programs or major infrastructure projects, we are nimble," Holcomb said.

Holcomb signed the $34.6 billion general fund bill in the Statehouse rotunda surrounded by about 20 legislators and department heads. He then presented his Next Level agenda successes, and one red check mark, in his office. The one mark was in seeking an increase in the school supplies tax credit to $500 for teachers.

However, he touted an additional $763 million for K-12 school funding over the next two years. Also, the schools pension liability will be paid down for $150 million, allowing more money for teachers salaries.

However, state leaders won't know if the money has gone into teacher paychecks until finance reports are turned in. Legislators chose to let local school districts decide if there will be teacher salary increases, although the General Assembly urged the money go to teachers.

"This isn't a one-step process, this is a two-step process," Holcomb said, acknowledging there will be future discussions on how to ensure raises get to teacher.

Democrats criticized leaving out a provision to guarantee salary bumps.

"At the end of the day, the Republican budget still doesn’t ensure that our dedicated and valued teachers will receive a pay increase over the next two years. We had the opportunity to make that happen this year and the Republican supermajority neglected to act," Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane, D-Anderson, said.

"Balanced budgets are required, but artificially bloated reserves that come at the expense of so many important programs, organizations and people are contrary to the state's primary goal of meeting the needs of its citizens."

The budget surplus amounts to 11.5% or more than $2 billion. Republicans have said the reserve is needed in case of an economic downturn.

As of Monday, Holcomb had signed more than 100 bills, including the budget bill, into law. At least two bills, one on gaming expansion and another based on a carbon sequestration pilot project, required additional study on his part, he said. However, Holcomb said he plans no veto of any legislation coming to his desk.

Both of the bills partially involve Vigo County, which could receive the transfer of a casino license from Gary and a project to capture carbon dioxide at a proposed ammonia production facility in West Terre Haute. The carbon dioxide would be injected underground as an alternative to releasing carbon dioxide into the air.

"I need to learn more about them. They're big major economic development bills. ... Nothing in specific raises a concern for me but I haven't read them," the governor said.

He also claimed success in a bias crime law for Indiana that allows judges in handing down criminal sentences to consider bias based on a victim's real or perceived traits. The bill was criticized for not including a list of characteristics such as gender identity, gender and age.

Other advancements in his Next Level agenda, he said, include:

• Improving options for school safety through added grant funding.

• Accelerating a completed Interstate 69 Section 6 and other highway projects.

• Building a statewide network of biking, riding and hiking trails, accomplished in part by toll road proceeds with the goal of a trail being within five miles of every Hoosier.

• Exemption of military pensions for state income tax as a way to retain veterans in the state.