1. United States
2. Ind.
3. Letter

Indiana ended the fiscal year with nearly $6 billion left unspent. Meanwhile, many Hoosiers continue to see underfunded public schools, aging roads and bridges, rural hospital closures and healthcare shortages, inadequate mental health services, and a lack of affordable housing. A budget surplus is only meaningful if it improves people’s lives. Please prioritize investing in education, infrastructure, healthcare, mental health, and other essential public services before celebrating record reserves. Fiscal responsibility should include meeting the needs of the people who paid for that surplus. Please explain what steps you will take to ensure Indiana’s budget reflects the real priorities of Hoosiers.