(INDIANAPOLIS) — Legislators are still figuring out how far to go in restricting Governor Holcomb’s
emergency powers. But there’s bipartisan agreement on demanding more oversight of federal relief
money.
President Biden’s “American Rescue Plan” steers at least $3 billion to Indiana. Indianapolis Representative Ed DeLaney (D) says that effectively creates a “side budget” that only
Holcomb has control over. The House has unanimously voted to require Holcomb to deliver a
report on the usually ceremonial first day of the legislative session in November, explaining how
he’s spent or plans to spend the money. Legislators would then have the opportunity to intervene if
they disagree.
DeLaney says his proposal is cleaner than one passed by the Senate to funnel the money
through the five-member State Budget Committee. House Ways and Means Chairman Tim Brown
(R-Crawfordsville) isn’t committing to the plan as the final approach, but says passing it in the
House makes it part of discussions with the Senate.
The Senate plan is part of a bill letting legislators call themselves into session to review
emergency declarations. Legislative leaders were aiming for a quick House vote to allow time to
override a potential veto from Holcomb, who contends the bill is unconstitutional. But the House
pushed back that vote to make some technical changes to the bill’s wording.
