Trails and other budgets, what are the priorities for Indianapolis?

Don't we all want the best for Indiana? We know that it's about to draft a state budget for the upcoming two years. It's set to cover some major areas like schools, healthcare, and infrastructure. We're all wondering about the specifics. There are many people in Indiana who are counting on this budget to be a game-changer. The state legislature is working on a budget to cover essential services and amenities for the upcoming two years. The House Ways and Means Committee was in session recently to hear out various stakeholders. First, let's talk about the Career Scholarship Account program. It's a big deal for high school students in Indiana. The program offers financial support to students who want to get ahead in technical fields. Its impact goes beyond money; it's a lifesaver for families who can get careers for life. Consider Angel Acosta, a junior at Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis. Angel is participating in the program and learning HVAC skills which can offer an immediate path to success. Acosta's story is inspiring. He's from a Mexican American family and recognizes the financial benefits this program has. It gives his mother and brother a chance to live better. This boost to these students' future is important. Students like Acosta have dreams bigger than their small town, like becoming a lawyer. The Career Scholarship Account program has been a blessing for students like Angel to learn vital skills. The program gives students a backup plan, offering a steady income. It’s a safety net for their future. But these programs need to continue. This is not just about giving to the students. This is about giving them their future. On the other hand, Rep. Mike Andrade, a fellow first-generation Mexican American, shared his own struggles, but also his triumphs. “Keep pressing on, ” he encouraged Acosta. “Keep working hard. You can achieve anything you want in life, ” he said. The authenticity of his message rings true to many. We can't forget about the need for food security. Feeding Indiana’s Hungry has been a lifeline for many. In 2024, they handed out about 140 million pounds of food, a whopping 8 million pounds more than the year before. Emily Bryant, executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, appreciates the $2 million allocation. Their impact on public health is significant. The situation is dire for mental health in the state. The healthcare committee has received several requests aimed at addressing the crisis. Organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and Lifespring Health Systems are stepping up. Sarah Bosslet, past president of the Indiana chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, requested $300, 000 to fund the CARE Program. This program helps connect families with essential mental health services. Kacie Chase, vice president of performance improvement for Lifespring Health Systems, is pushing for an additional $53. 1 million for its community mental health fund and $21 million each year for group homes. Now, let’s pivot to infrastructure. Trails are a big deal in Indiana. They're not just pretty paths; they're an investment that pays off. Erica Briggs, Midwest Policy Manager with Rails to Trails Conservancy, emphasized how trails boost economic development, improve public health, and enhance quality of life. Despite the financial crisis, the budget may not have any funding for trails. Khepri Hazel, executive director of Greenways Foundation, echoed this sentiment. She emphasized that trails are key to economic development and health improvements. “For every $1 invested in trails, there's a $3 saving in healthcare costs, ” she said. But without continued investment, the progress made will stall. This is a call to action — one that can't be ignored. The budget discussions continue. Decisions will impact lives. We need to think critically about where funds should be allocated. People in Indiana are depending on these decisions. It’s not just about the money; it’s about the future of our state.