Indiana officials address Medicaid and property tax concerns

Indiana State Rep. Hal Slager and State Sen. Dan Dernulc faced questions from residents at a town hall in Schererville about Medicaid, property taxes, and education. Medicaid costs have surged, with enrollment nearly doubling since COVID-19. Senate Bill 2 proposes work requirements for Medicaid recipients aged 19 to 64 to manage rising costs. Meanwhile, property tax reform discussions have shifted, with a new proposal aiming to provide taxpayer relief without significantly cutting funding for schools and local governments. Concerns were raised about the impact of rising property taxes and the potential introduction of tolls on Indiana highways. Residents also expressed interest in ballot initiatives for local issues, but Slager emphasized the legislature's role in decision-making.