Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb (R) signed a bill into law last Friday that removes the sales tax for children’s diapers. The sales tax exemption for diapers is part of the bill’s wider effort to support new and expectant mothers, a significant pro-life initiative by the state.
One main way the bill backs the pro-life cause is by creating the Hoosier Families First Fund, an organization aimed at providing social services to expectant mothers. Other measures include increasing the amount of tax credits people can receive for adopting, further encouraging couples to take in children. Adoption serves as a key alternative pro-life advocates offer to women considering an abortion.
The bill aims to assist families dealing with rising inflation by granting taxpayers a $200 tax refund and by allowing “Hoosiers who didn’t file taxes to claim the credit on next year’s taxes,” according to WRTV Indianapolis. Lawmakers reduced the tax credit from $225 to $200 in a compromise between the House and Senate.
“I am extremely pleased to see the House advance Senate Bill 2 [the tax refund bill] that includes returning a billion dollars back to Hoosier taxpayers in the form of an automatic taxpayer refund,” Holcomb said shortly after the House passed the measure. “No less important is the package of robust programming to strengthen the health outcomes for Hoosier women and babies.”
Related: Kansas Voters Kill Pro-Life Amendment, Biden Applauds
That same day, Holcomb also signed a major abortion bill banning the procedure, except in the cases of rape, incest, fatal fetal anomaly, or when the mother’s health or life would be severely at risk. While State House Democrats tried to stall a vote on the bill with a procedural move, the motion failed and passed the House 62 to 38. Later that day, the State Senate also passed the bill 28 to 19, before it was signed by Holcomb.
“Following the overturning of Roe, I stated clearly that I would be willing to support legislation that made progress in protecting life.” Holcomb said in a statement after signing the bill. “In my view, SEA 1 accomplishes this goal following its passage in both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly with a solid majority of support.”
Holcomb displayed his pride in his constituents after they spoke their peace on the issue at hand.
“Looking back, I am personally most proud of each Hoosier who came forward to courageously share their views in a debate that is unlikely to cease any time soon. For my part as your governor, I will continue to keep an open ear,” Holcomb said.
The law is set to take effect on September 15th.
Follow Us On Twitter
Whoopi Goldberg went on an unholy sermon to explain that since “God doesn't make mistakes” he made her “smart enough to know when” abortion was the right call. via @NickFondacaro https://t.co/tJHrbVP5m2 pic.twitter.com/xmTEyOglQu
— MRCTV (@mrctv) August 4, 2022