State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) made the following statement Thursday regarding the end of the Indiana General Assembly’s regular legislative business:
“This was a unique and challenging year for the General Assembly as we worked to craft the state budget, improve broadband and much more amid the pandemic.
“Educating the next generation of Hoosiers is of paramount importance, which is why we increased K-12 funding by a historic $1.93 billion. The budget also eliminated more than $1 billion state debt and invested $1 billion in capital projects.
“In addition, the budget includes $250 million to expand broadband to underserved and rural areas, enabling more Hoosiers to work remotely and take online classes.
“Along with the budget, we passed a number of measures to help Hoosier communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Senate Enrolled Act 1 provides organizations and individuals with immunity from civil liability. Senate Enrolled Act 2 fully funds schools that had students learn virtually due to the pandemic in the current school year. And Senate Enrolled Act 377 will help broadband expansion across Indiana.
“I’m grateful to my colleagues for their hard work this session and look forward to the positive impact our work will have in our community.”