Indiana’s spending hopes might depend on more COVID-19 aid

Governor Eric Holcomb

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Eric Holcomb wants to boost school spending and restore some state spending cuts ordered earlier this year.

But he acknowledged Thursday that might not be possible unless Congress approves more COVID-19 assistance for states. Holcomb announced an unspecified increase in school funding among his priorities for the upcoming 2021 state legislative session.

The Republican governor said such assistance was “very important” as Indiana faced potentially $60 million a month in ongoing costs tied to the coronavirus pandemic over perhaps six more months.