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Chris Atkins, Indiana State Budget Director, presents Gov. Mike Pence's first budget druing a meeting of the State Budget Committee at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2013. The governor's budget plan prioritizes cutting the personal income tax by 10 percent and would pay modestly for new programs including performance funding for Indiana schools, while keeping spending at roughly the same level as the last budget. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) (January 15, 2013) |
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Mike Pence is asking lawmakers to spend most of Indiana's cash surplus on a 10 percent cut in the personal income tax.
Pence Budget Director Chris Atkins submitted a two-year spending plan Tuesday with a modest increase for the embattled Department of Child Services and 1 percent more spending for education.
But the new Republican governor limits spending growth in his roughly $29 billion budget to cover the $790 million cost of the tax cut.
Pence also wants $64 million in performance grants for schools and a transportation fund paid for by diverting potential pension fund payments.
Atkins briefed members of the State Budget Committee on the governor's proposal. Republican and Democratic budget leaders on the panel had few questions for the new budget chief.
