The Indiana House Republicans have selected a representative from Crawfordsville to lead the powerful Ways and Means committee. Dr. Tim Brown (R-Crawfordsville) will first lead the committee during a budget session.
House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) says his choice for the leader of the Ways and Means committee was not an easy one, and says his pick of Representative Tim Brown was based partially on Brown’s medical background.
“It’s clear that the role of healthcare is taking an increasing role in the Ways and Means Committee,” he says.
Bosma says the state will face many challenges implementing the Affordable Care Act, but says neither him nor Chairman Brown has decided the best way to apply portions of the law in Indiana.
Brown says while there will be many priorities in the upcoming budget, he already knows what he wants to put first.
“Number one is K-12 education. Its part of our constitution, its part of our being, part of what we all feel passionate about.”
When asked about the 10% income tax cut Governor-elect Mike Pence wants to put into place, Brown says he will need to look at the April revenue forecast to determine how the cuts could affect the state’s fiscal shape.