The state is supporting parenthood and adoption.
QUICK FACTS:
- Last Friday, the Republican governor of Indiana, Eric Holcomb, signed a bill that exempts diapers from sales tax into law.
- The bill’s larger support for new and expectant mothers, a significant pro-life initiative by the state, includes the sales tax exemption for diapers.
- By giving taxpayers a $200 tax refund and allowing Hoosiers who didn’t file claims on their taxes to receive the credit could receive it on next year’s taxes allowing the bill to help families cope with rising inflation.
- Other measures include raising the number of tax credits available for adoption, which will further encourage couples to adopt.
- “Looking back, I am personally most proud of each Hoosier who came forward to courageously share their views in a debate that is unlikely to cease any time soon,” Holcomb said. “For my part as your governor, I will continue to keep an open ear.”
WHY THE BILL MATTERS:
- The establishment of the Hoosier Families First Fund, an organization dedicated to offering social services to expectant mothers, is one key way the bill supports the pro-life movement.
- “I am extremely pleased to see the House advance Senate Bill 2 [the tax refund bill] that includes returning a billion dollars back to Hoosier taxpayers in the form of an automatic taxpayer refund,” Holcomb said shortly after the House passed the measure. “No less important is the package of robust programming to strengthen the health outcomes for Hoosier women and babies.”
BACKGROUND:
- On the same day, Holcomb also approved a significant abortion ban that allowed abortions only in cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal anomalies, or extreme danger to the mother’s life or health.
- Democrats in the State House attempted to use a procedural maneuver to delay the bill’s vote, but the motion was unsuccessful and the House passed the bill 62 to 38. Prior to being signed by Holcomb, the bill was also approved by the State Senate later that day by a vote of 28 to 19.
- “Following the overturning of Roe, I stated clearly that I would be willing to support legislation that made progress in protecting life,” Holcomb said in a statement after signing the bill. “In my view, SEA 1 accomplishes this goal following its passage in both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly with a solid majority of support.”
