Area legislators support a special session on July 6 to take action on retuning more than $1 billion of state reserves to taxpayers — and abortion restrictions will likely be discussed during the special session as well.
On Wednesday, Governor Eric Holcomb signed a proclamation calling for a special session to return $1 billion — $225 per taxpayer — through the state’s automatic taxpayer refund. With Hoosier’s currently receiving $125 through the automatic taxpayer refund, taxpayers will receive $350.
“This is the fastest, fairest and most efficient way to return taxpayers’ hard-earned money during a time of economic strain,” Holcomb said. “Indiana’s economy is growing and with more than $1 billion of revenue over current projections, Hoosier taxpayers deserve to have their money responsibly returned. I’m happy to be able to take this first step and look forward to signing this plan into law as soon as possible.”
As the Supreme Court decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case is likely to be announced in the coming days, it could give anti-abortion state lawmakers the green light to severely impede abortion access in the state. A leaked draft in May suggested the court is poised to overturn Roe v. Wade.
On Thursday, Erin Wittern, a spokeswoman for House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, said the rules for the special session have not been finalized, but that Huston continues to await the Supreme Court’s decision.
“(Huston) has been clear in his support for taking action to protect unborn babies and mothers,” Wittern said.
“Our goal is to take action to provide inflation relief to Hoosier taxpayers as our state and nation continue to see the price of gas, and everyday goods and services climb to record heights. The state’s strong fiscal health positions us to responsibly use the state’s reserves to quickly return money back to taxpayers,” Huston said about the special session.
Considering the upcoming Supreme Court decision, State Sen. Eddie Melton, D-Gary, said “it’s very likely that the supermajority will use this special session as an opportunity to strip women of their reproductive rights.”
“They’ve already announced their desire to ban abortion, and the timing for session seems intentionally designed to come after the (Supreme Court) decision. We don’t know exactly how restrictive Republicans plan to be with their legislation, but my caucus stands ready to continue our advocacy to protect a women’s right to choose. The government should not be inserting itself into women’s private and nuanced reproductive decisions,” Melton said.
Rep. Michael Aylesworth, R-Hebron, said he supports the special session to approve a refund to taxpayers because the state has billions of dollars in surplus.
“Our budget has been budgeted closely and tightly. We should give that money back,” Aylesworth said.
In March, House and Senate Democrats proposed to suspend the state gas taxes — which will increase from 56 cents a gallon to 62 cents a gallon next month — into the summer months, which Republicans rejected. Additionally, Rep. Greg Porter, D-Indianapolis, proposed using the surplus to give Hoosiers an additional tax refund.
“Hoosiers are suffering now and have been suffering since March when legislative Democrats first issued our call for economic relief,” Porter said. “While I’m happy Gov. Holcomb and legislative Republicans have finally heeded our calls to give Hoosiers their money back, I can only hope it’s not too little, too late.”
Aylesworth said Republicans did not support the proposed measure in March because there was concern about a recession, meaning reserves in the budget would become more important.
“It makes good management,” Aylesworth said.
Aylesworth said the legislators will “probably discuss” abortion during the special session, depending on how the Supreme Court rules. Whether or not the legislature discusses abortion legislation will determine if the special session is one day or multiple days, he said.
“I do see that being an issue we would raise if the Supreme Court does rule (to overturn Roe v. Wade),” Aylesworth said.
Melton said in a statement he supports the special session to discuss relief options for taxpayers as gas prices, bills and living expenses increase. But, $225 is not enough, Melton said, so the Democratic caucus “will be pushing for additional relief including suspending the gas tax and increasing the refund amount.”
Melton said he has also called for the legislature to address gun violence during the special session, especially since the state will become permitless carry July 1. If allowed, Melton said he is “ready to introduce legislation aimed at keeping my community safe from gun violence this summer and beyond.”
Given the rise of prices for groceries, gas, energy bills and other necessities, taxpayers should receive relief, said State Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point, in a statement.
“That’s why I fully support the governor’s call for a special session to provide relief across the state. Our revenues and surplus continue to outpace projections, which give us the opportunity to put more money back in Hoosiers’ pockets,” Olthoff said.
On Thursday, Olthoff said leadership has not announced how long the special session will be. Any decision on abortion legislation is difficult to say without knowing how the Supreme Court will rule, she said.
“I don’t want to rush something like abortion law changes. We should be thoughtful in what we propose,” Olthoff said.
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