State agencies don’t present new budget requests, wait for Braun to take office

As lawmakers prepare to write a new Indiana budget, state agencies typically appear before the State Budget Committee to present funding requests. But this year’s gubernatorial transition makes those presentations look different.

No state agency under the governor’s office presented a funding request to the budget committee. Instead, they reviewed what the agency is doing with the money it received in the current budget.

Still, there were hints as to where lawmakers might go in the upcoming legislative session. Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) asked the Indiana Department of Health what role the state should play in addressing obesity, including through food assistance programs.

“As a state, should we consider classifying different foods and/or vegetables that those benefits can be used for?” Garten said.

READ MORE: How do I follow Indiana’s legislative session? Here’s your guide to demystify the process

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And Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Mishawaka) discussed a request from the Indiana Department of Education on summer school.

“We just need to be more efficient on where we prioritize the money and for which students,” Mishler said.

A third of summer school costs are for physical education and health classes.

Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.