Indiana State Representative Heath VanNatter

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VanNatter authors pair of new laws in budget year

Last Updated on April 26, 2017 by cassnetwork

Indiana State Representative Heath VanNatter
Indiana State Representative Heath VanNatter

STATEHOUSE— Two bills authored by State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) were recently signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb.

House Enrolled Act 1519 will lay the groundwork for the responsible, accountable expansion of clean water sources by utilities in Indiana. It will allow a utility, such as a municipality or company, to build sewers, water mains and service lines into a new infrastructure development zone. VanNatter said the law aims to attract business and enhance economic growth within Hoosier communities.

“The future growth of our state will depend heavily on how we prioritize clean drinking water and this law provides for this expansion into growing Hoosier communities,” VanNatter said.

Utilities will also be able to, with the state’s utilities commission approval, replace water customers lead service lines. The replacement of lead service lines will help promote safe living environments across the state, according to VanNatter.

House Enrolled Act 1520 will remove obsolete language pertaining to the inheritance tax in Indiana Code. The tax, also known as the estate tax or “death tax,” was repealed in Indiana for individuals dying after Dec. 31, 2012.

“This kind of law is one of my favorite types of legislation because it deletes a substantial amount of unnecessary language that is on the books,” VanNatter said. “It’s important to continue to look for ways to reduce red tape and laws like this help ensure matters aren’t unnecessarily complicated in the future.”

VanNatter also said the House and Senate passed a fiscally responsible budget, which maintains healthy reserves and protects Indiana’s AAA credit rating.

“The balanced budget we sent to the governor increases the base funding for each K-12 student and modestly increases the state’s investment in higher education,” VanNatter said. “Additionally, it provides for a 24 percent salary increase for state law enforcement officers, which is well-deserved for the men and women who serve and protect their fellow Hoosiers each and every day.”

SOURCE: News release from the Office of State Representative Heath VanNatter

 

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