The Senate GOP budget appropriates $56 million more for community correction programs at the local level. The House GOP budget had set aside $80 million in new funding.
But Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, says, after consulting with community corrections officials, probation officers and the Department of Correction, he believes $56 million will fully fund local needs.
And with $30 million more for mental health and addiction treatment, Sen. Karen Tallian, D-Portage, says that's one part of the budget Democrats can support.
"We're very happy to see the financial commitment to the community corrections and mental health and addition programs," she says.
The Senate budget does not include any new money for the Department of Correction, despite what the agency says is a need to expand state prisons. Kenley says he's not convinced.
"Historically, there've been a number of times that the DOC over the last 20 years since I've been here has asked for new beds and it hasn't turned out that they've actually needed them," he says.
The Senate Appropriations Committee approved the budget bill. It now heads to the Senate floor.