Indiana House Democrats say they want the state to invest in “human capital” this year – everything from paid family leave to teacher pay raises and better mental health care access in schools.

The House minority caucus unveiled its 2020 agenda Monday.

The sharpest dividing line between Democrats and Republicans in the 2020 session is becoming clearer: how to spend excess state surplus dollars. Republicans have focused on reducing future state debt by paying cash for big capital projects.

House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) has a different idea.

“Fiscally responsible investments in early education – in education from an early age – delivering more in K through 12 traditional public education and making health care more affordable and accessible,” GiaQuinta says.

Specifically, GiaQuinta says his caucus will push for, among others, measures to lower prescription drug prices, implement paid family leave and create a child care tax credit.

The 2020 session ends in mid-March.

Contact Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.