Indiana’s state government was recently named best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. One reason for this ranking is our dedication to keeping our budget balanced.

To ensure Indiana continues down a fiscally responsible path, lawmakers this year passed Senate Joint Resolution 7, a balanced budget amendment to Indiana’s Constitution.

If approved by voters in the 2018 General Election, SJR 7 would prohibit state spending from exceeding state revenue unless two-thirds of the Indiana General Assembly deem it necessary to use emergency spending measures.

Despite our strong record of fiscal stability, Indiana is one of only four states without a balanced budget requirement. If approved, this measure will strengthen our commitment to responsible spending that protects taxpayers.

Click here to watch a video of State Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Buck Creek) discussing the amendment.

Indiana’s unemployment rate continues to fall. Standing at 3.2 percent, our rate is 1.1 percent lower than the current national average and 1.4 percent lower than our rate for the same period last year.

We also continue to outrank our neighboring states, with Illinois at 4.6 percent, Kentucky at 5.0 percent, Michigan at 4.2 percent, and Ohio at 4.9 percent.

In addition to our unemployment rate, Indiana’s labor force participation has been higher than the national average for the last 36 months, according to the most recent data. Our current labor force participation rate is 1.8 percent higher than the national rate.

Click here to view the most recent state employment report.