By Tom Davies
Indiana Capital Chronicle

A plan teased by some top Indiana legislators for eliminating homeowner property taxes is shrouded in silence.

Those lawmakers have remained tight-lipped about how they could pull off the multi-billion-dollar move — and key Statehouse interest groups that closely follow property tax issues are anxiously waiting for details.

The plan “to end property taxes on the home you live in” was first touted with an Aug. 20 post to the campaign Facebook page of Republican Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Ryan Mishler.

The post promotes a “Property Tax Freedom” town hall and rally Sept. 29 in Warsaw, along with Rep. Craig Snow, R-Warsaw, and Sen. Chris Garten, who is poised to become the state Senate’s new Republican leader.

But they haven’t released any information about how they would eliminate the tax stream that provides much of the revenue for city and county governments and public school districts.

Even an apparent ally in efforts to dial back homeowner taxes — the group representing Indiana’s real estate agents — hasn’t been clued in on the plan.

“At least not to us at the state level,” Chris Watts, a vice president at the Indiana Association of Realtors, told the Capital Chronicle this week. “If they’ve consulted brokers locally, it’s not filtered up to us. So, yeah, we’re on pins and needles as well to kind of see what they’ve come up with.”

Neither Mishler nor Snow, who is vice chair of the tax code-writing House Ways and Means Committee, responded to multiple interview requests from the Capital Chronicle to their offices and their personal phone numbers.

Garten, R-Charlestown, declined an interview request via his office, which said he “is going to defer to Sen. Mishler.”

Questions abound about abolishment details

If such a major property tax proposal were to advance, it would undoubtedly become a leading topic of debate for the 2027 legislative session because of its wide-ranging impact.

Property taxes on owner-occupied homes amounted to nearly $4.1 billion, or 38%, of the $10.6 billion in statewide property taxes billed during 2025, according to a Legislative Services Agency report.

That percentage is expected to decline in comparison with business, industrial, rental and agricultural properties in the coming years under an overhaul enacted in 2025 with Senate Enrolled Act 1.

Questions abound, however, about how a homeowner tax elimination would work and how local governments and schools could replace such a large revenue source.

“Of course, it creates a huge concern for local units of government on how that money would be backfilled,” said David Bottorff, executive director of the Association of Indiana Counties. “I don’t know if it’s a goal or objective, if it’s something you’re trying to phase in over four or five years, all those details matter on what that transition would look like.”

Mishler, R-Mishawaka, has floated ideas for sizable homestead property tax cuts before.

One proposal came in a 2024 bill he filed that would have created a potentially $1 billion fund for homestead tax cuts from money that the state now directs each year toward a pension fund for teachers first hired before 1996. Mishler, who has been the Senate’s top budget writer since 2018, has pushed through several special state appropriations to build up that pension fund so that the annual spending is no longer needed.

But that money might not be available for a few more years — and would still fall short of the homeowner property tax collections.

Options to raise other taxes or cut local funding

The leader of the lobbying group for Indiana’s cities and towns said he and Mishler talked generally this summer about homeowner property tax elimination and that discussion included allowing more increases in local income taxes.

Mishler was “very clear that the revenue would have to be replaced,” said Matt Greller, CEO of Accelerate Indiana Municipalities.

A major worry for local governments comes from possibly facing higher interest rates on money borrowed for construction and other projects. That’s because payments for such bonds have long been guaranteed from property tax revenue that is regarded as more stable than income or sales taxes.

“Does it hurt us in the bonding market if we’re only using income tax to bond against?” Greller said. “Does the market look more or less favorably on that? What would that be in terms of increased interest costs?”

Legislators studied the prospects of abolishing property taxes in 2007. But they backed away after calculations showed a doubling or more of the state’s sales tax or income tax would be needed to raise a similar amount of money.

Those options of big hikes in other taxes — such as the 2.9% state income tax rate for 2026 —  or squeezing the budgets of local governments and schools haven’t changed over time, said Larry DeBoer, a longtime Purdue University economist who has studied Indiana tax policy since the 1980s.

“An income tax rate of 6 or 7 (percent) would probably do it, and that’s what has discouraged people in the past,” DeBoer said in an interview. “But we’re in an age of reform, I guess.”

“More questions, certainly, than answers”

Other property tax cut ideas are also being talked about, such as Gov. Mike Braun’s suggestion of ending home taxes for those older than 65 who’ve paid off their mortgages.

Another proposal from a Republican legislator would eliminate all property taxes and replace that revenue by extending the state’s 7% sales tax to include a vast array of currently untaxed services such as haircuts, construction labor costs and lawyer fees.

Indiana School Boards Association Executive Director Terry Spradlin said he has “more questions, certainly, than answers” about the homestead tax abolishment suggested by Mishler, Snow and Garten.

“It’s a very vague concept that only the flyer speaks to, without a plan to explain it,” Spradlin said. “So we’re all anxious to get more detail.”

The legislators are seizing upon a topic that has been a top campaign issue in recent years — and could push their proposal forward during the 2027 legislative session that starts in January.

“Those three are high-profile leaders of the House and Senate Republican caucuses,” Spradlin said. “So this has some merit, obviously, that we need to pay attention to.”

The post Two area lawmakers mum on plan to end property taxes ‘on the home you live in’ appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — A town hall meeting in Warsaw that will focus on statewide property tax reform has been expanded to include State Sen. Chris Garten who is now expected to become the state senate leader.

State Sen. Ryan Mishler and Rep. Craig Snow of Warsaw were already scheduled to participate in the late-September event, but will now be joined by Garton, who was praised on Wednesday by both Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and President Donald Trump.

Garton is now expected to replace Rod Bray, a target of President Trump, who recently announced plans to step down from his GOP leadership position.

Bray did not support Trump's failed redistricting efforts in Indiana, which was intended to ensure all nine of Indiana's Congressional district could be controlled by Republicans.

Bray is one of about six Republican senators that Trump retaliated against for failure to support redistricting. Many of those lost in primary re-election bids in May.

Trump used social media on Wednesday to congratulate Garton while continuing to bash Bray over the Senate's defeat in December of congressional redistricting.

“This finishes off my work against political leaders in the state Senate who let our country down," Trump said in a story reported by Indiana Capital Chronicle. “If they did what they should have done, and what every other State did, as requested, we would have had two more seats in the House of Representatives!”

The upcoming town hall meeting on property taxes is set for Sept.  29 at the Zimmer Biomet Center Lake Pavilion in Warsaw.

Mishler is the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Snow has become a leading voice on the House Ways and Means Committee.

They're expected to highlight details on possible changes sought by Mishler in the state's reliance on the homestead tax.

That plan will likely be one of several property tax proposals including one that seeks to replace property taxes with a switch to a sales tax on certain services that will be filed ahead of the upcoming General Assembly in January.

As of Thursday morning, the town hall was not being promoted on the Kosciusko County Republican Facebook page.

The event is organized by Kristi Ormsby who has overseen campaigns for Mishler, Snow and other area Republicans.

To read the latest story about Garten, check out the Indiana Capital Chronicle story here.

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By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WINONA LAKE — OrthoWorx held its first-ever OrthoWorx Summit Wednesday at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center in Winona Lake.

The event was an opportunity for the community and medical device companies to further engage in helping strengthen the already thriving industry.  

It also highlighted the recently announced National Science Foundation grant that's working to establish what’s being described as an “impact engine” in Indiana.

The project involves a consortium led by Indiana University of more than 170 Indiana industry, clinical, and university partners and will receive up to $160 million (potentially) over the next 10 years to turn research into real-world solutions.

Jim Lancaster, a former executive with Zimmer Biomet, now serves as the CEO of the NSF Impact Engine in Indiana. He highlighted the initiative at the summit.

“Think of it as seed money that the National Science Foundation has put into our region to not drive just one entity, but to drive this collaboration across a very broad region.

[caption id="attachment_134679" align="alignright" width="350"] Dr. David Hoffert, superintendent of Warsaw Community Public Schools, which has established a series of dedicated STEM academies that support Orthopedics, was one of the participants in a group discussion at the OrthoWorx Summit. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Dr. Michael Meneghini, the founder of Indiana Orthopedic Institute, was the keynote speaker and said such collaborative efforts come at a crucial point as technology and innovation gain momentum in the orthopedic industry.

“I will tell you right now that it is happening faster than many of you probably even realize,” Meneghini said.

He compared ithe industry's need to look foward to that of a quarterback who understands who is looking downfield and anticipating where his receiver is headed.

“When a market is changing this fast, you can't look at where it is now,” Meneghini said.

“It is changing faster than in my 30 years in medicine than I've ever seen it. Ever. Not even close,” he added.

The following is a news release issued by OrthWorx after the event:

OrthoWorx brought together leaders from across orthopedics, education, healthcare, innovation, workforce development, and community development for the inaugural OrthoWorx Summit on Aug. 12 at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center. 

Centered around the theme “Engage,” the Summit created a space for meaningful conversation, collaboration, and action around the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the Orthopedic Capital of the World.

The afternoon began with grounding attendees in the history of OrthoWorx and its role as a catalyst and collaborator within the region’s orthopedic ecosystem. From there, programming explored the forces shaping what comes next, from a historic investment in musculoskeletal innovation to the challenges facing the industry and the opportunities to strengthen the region’s talent, community, and innovation infrastructure.

“The Summit was designed to bring people together, not simply to talk about the future, but to engage with one another and help shape the next chapter,” said Ryan Christner, President and CEO of OrthoWorx. 

“The energy in the room reinforced what we know to be true about this community: when we bring different perspectives together and focus on what we can accomplish collectively, there is tremendous potential for impact. Our job at OrthoWorx is to help create those connections and turn that momentum into action.”

One of the day’s first conversations focused on the NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana, an Indiana University-led initiative selected as a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine. 

The initiative brings together industry, clinical, university, and research partners to build a regional innovation ecosystem focused on musculoskeletal health. The panel explored what the investment could mean for Indiana and, more specifically, for the Orthopedic Capital of the World.

A key message from the conversation captured the collaborative spirit at the heart of the initiative: “If we are going to be successful, it’s going to take everyone coming together to build a connected and sustainable ecosystem across the Hoosier state.”

The Summit’s keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Meneghini, offered a candid look at the future of orthopedics, addressing both the significant opportunities ahead and the headwinds facing the industry. His presentation challenged attendees to think beyond the region’s historic strengths and consider where continued investment, innovation, and adaptation will be necessary to maintain global leadership.

Attendees then participated in focused breakout sessions designed to encourage deeper discussion and generate actionable ideas around the forces shaping the region. The interactive sessions provided an opportunity for participants to share perspectives, explore challenges, and identify ways to become more engaged in the work ahead.

The Summit also celebrated an individual whose leadership has had a lasting impact on the orthopedic industry. 

State Rep. Craig Snow was presented with the inaugural Dr. Dane A. Miller Legacy Award, recognizing his contributions to the region and his commitment to advancing the orthopedic industry and the community it calls home.

The afternoon concluded with a charge from Vince Wong, CEO, BioCrossroads, to think beyond individual organizations and communities and embrace Indiana’s collective strength as the BioHeartland. Wong challenged attendees to unite around the opportunity to root and sustain a broader Hoosier life sciences ecosystem, one that can continue to drive innovation, talent, economic growth, and improved quality of life.

For OrthoWorx, the Summit marks the beginning of an ongoing effort to bring people together around the conversations and partnerships that will shape the region’s future.

“Engage was more than a theme for this event, it was a challenge,” Christner said. “We want people to leave this Summit asking themselves, ‘Where can I lean in? What can I contribute? Who else should I be working with?’ The future of the Orthopedic Capital of the World will not be built be one organization or one sector. It will take a joint effort, and we’re excited to keep building on the conversations and seeing action take place in our schools, community, and across our industry.”

The conversations sparked at the Summit will continue through additional opportunities to engage throughout the region. MADE HERE: A Manufacturing Showcase, returning Dec. 9, will bring together manufacturers, innovators, suppliers, educators, and community leaders to showcase the depth of the region’s orthopedic ecosystem. 

Looking ahead to 2027, OrthoWorx will also launch its Joint Effort event series, creating opportunities to dive deeper into topics explored at the Summit and bring together partners from across the community to move ideas toward action.

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WARSAW — Two area lawmakers are developing a plan for US 30 that would address the Parker Street intersection — widely viewed as the most dangerous intersection along US 30 across all of Indiana.

State Senator Ryan Mishler and State Representative Craig Snow said they met with officials from the Indiana Department of Transportation earlier this month, which included a discussion of US 30 and specifically the proposed construction of an overpass over Parker Street and an interchange constructed further to the west at Springhill Road. 

Mishler talked about the issue Saturday while in Warsaw and said something "needs to be done."

In their meeting, Mishler said they put forth some proposals.

He said he plans to track how that progresses and how INDOT is budgeting projects.

He credited Snow for taking the lead on the issue by developing maps and even talking to stakeholders. 

“I think what we're working on together would be a really good plan moving forward for this area,” Mishler said. 

An interchange at Springhill Road would serve as a new connection to US 30 and is a short distance from both Parkview Kosciusko Hospital and Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital.

Aside from traffic safety concerns, Mishler said the projects would be a big boost for economic development.

He also said the proposals also reflect Slate Auto's plans to  bring nearly 2,000 workers to its future factory on Old Road 30 later this year.

“If they want to develop that corridor going to Slate, you've got to have something on 30. Once you put something on 30, I think you will see huge development coming around that area,” he said.

Snow said their proposal is similar to one in Whitley County, where Steel Dynamics Inc. worked with county officials and other industry to jump-start plans for the construction of at least two major intersections along US 30.

INDOT has previously endorsed the long-term plan of reconstructing the highway from Ohio to northwest Indiana, but aside from the initial progress in Whitley County, no money has been formally approved for initial steps toward specific construction segments.

Snow cautions that talks are preliminary and that it would take many years for construction to begin, if it is eventually approved.

Preliminary steps by consultants working with INDOT and the US 30 Coalition have progressed across the entire stretch of the highway over the past decade, but few developments have been made in the past two years.

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WARSAW — President Donald Trump has endorsed State Rep. Craig Snow in his upcoming primary race for state House District 22.

Snow, of Warsaw, is one of ten candidates recently endorsed by Trump as the president continues to take a keen interest in races in the Hoosier state after many Republican and Democratic lawmakers voted against Congressional redistricting in Indiana in December.

[caption id="attachment_129594" align="alignright" width="220"] List provided by Indiana Capital Chronicle.[/caption]

Most of Trump’s campaign efforts in Indiana have focused on supporting Republican challengers running against incumbent Republican state Senators who voted against redistricting in December.

Endorsing Republicans in the House seems to be an extension of that strategy.

The story did not include any comments about Snow directed by Trump.

Snow is facing a primary challenge from Daniel R. Koors, who resides in North Manchester. 

According to his Facebook page, Koors attended Purdue University and is the owner of DWK Trucking LLC.

A list of recent endorsements was the basis for an update by the Indiana Capital Chronicle on Trump's most recent endorsements, which you can read here.

Snow was first elected in 2020 and succeeded Dave Wolkins, who retired.

Endorsements by the White House involving local races have been exceedingly rare, but much more common under Trump.

Snow is likely the first local state representative to be endorsed by a sitting president in recent memory.

News Now Warsaw reached out to Snow for comment on the endorsement, but did not immediately hear back.

Snow was one of many Republican House members who voted to drastically redistrict congressional lines in December.

The state senate rejected the legislation, ending the debate.

Trump then promised to campaign against those who opposed the legislation.

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WARSAW — Three towns in Kosciusko County — Mentone, North Webster and Claypool — will receive more than $600,000 (combined) in the latest round of Community Crossings money announced recently.

The Community Crossings Matching Grant Program, established by the state legislature in 2016, offers funding to local communities for road repairs, bridge maintenance, intersection upgrades and other infrastructure projects.

Nearly 200 communities received $100 million in state matching grants for this round of funding.

Area grant recipients include Claypool ($79,237), Mentone ($262,005) and North Webster ($269,052).

"This grant program is an essential tool for cities, towns, and counties,” Abbott said. "By utilizing these state resources, communities can complete important projects that benefit both residents and local businesses. I encourage more communities to take full advantage of this opportunity."

Snow noted that to be eligible for funding, smaller municipalities must contribute 20 percent in local funds, while larger communities are required to provide a 50 percent match. State guidelines also ensure that half of the available matching funds each year are directed to communities in counties with populations of 50,000 or fewer. Since 2016, the Community Crossings program has invested over $2 billion in enhancing local roads and bridges.

"It's great to see communities and the state work together to support a positive initiative in areas across our state," Snow said. "Local road and bridge projects can be completed quickly with the support of this program."

Visit in.gov/indot/communitycrossings to view a full list of grant recipients and learn more about the program.

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By Niki Kelly
Indiana Capital Chronicle

The bill before Indiana House members Thursday might have been about creating a new casino license for Fort Wayne, but the discussion was far more complicated.

Rep. Ethan Manning – chair of the House Public Policy Committee – said he knows of four or five competing casino bills this session with different ideas. He encouraged the hearing as a starting point of the overall discussion.

Indeed, some of the testimony focused instead on transferring an existing casino license from southern Indiana to northern Indiana.

And other locales, including Indianapolis and Steuben County, don’t think they should be left out of the conversation on the best location.

A study released by the Indiana Gaming Commission in October found that Indianapolis was the top location for a casino relocation, followed by northeast Indiana.

While the Indianapolis region would bring the state more tax revenue, it would also hurt the two casinos nearby in Shelbyville and Anderson that help support the horse racing industry. Northeast Indiana was seen as more of an open market, impacting casinos in Ohio and Michigan.

Rep. Craig Snow’s legislation, House Bill 1038, would add a 14^th casino license in the state and create a competitive bidding process for that license. A minimum $50 million license fee would be paid to the state by the casino operator.

The committee will return in January to amend and vote on the bill.

“This opportunity is too big of an opportunity for the city of Fort Wayne to pass up,” said Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker. “We recognize and see that the economic investment, the economic development that could happen because of a license being located in the city of Fort Wayne is tremendous.”

Tucker and the three Allen County Commissioners submitted a letter on Dec. 1 to legislative leaders with an agreement on how money from any local development agreement would be split. These agreements are generally between casino operators and local government to put money into growing a community.

Sixty percent of the revenue would be distributed to communities in Allen County based on population. The remaining 40% — estimated at about $11 million a year — would be put into a designated humanitarian fund for non-profits to help improve mental health and combat homelessness, addiction and other challenges. A board would be appointed by elected officials to oversee the distribution of these funds.

“Whether it’s in the city of Fort Wayne, or whether it is in the county … everyone in our community would have an opportunity to benefit,” Tucker said.

Tom Kelley, a prominent Fort Wayne businessman, said the proposed economic impact of a casino is more than $200 million annually.

“I believe very strongly that’s the vitality that our kids and our grandchildren need to keep moving forward. The city, the county, the state, have put Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana in a very enviable state to attract businesses,” he said. “And the more money we have for economic development, the more jobs we’re able to create, the more income for the state of Indiana.”

The bill does not include a referendum for voters to approve having a casino – something that all other gambling communities have passed.

Tucker said she is “never in opposition of allowing the public to speak,” but she is concerned about slowing the process with a referendum. She and others acknowledged a tribal casino in the area is also a possibility, but a state-regulated facility would be better.

Several Hoosiers testified against a casino coming to the area, including Allen County resident Kristen Bissontz. She said it doesn’t match the family-friendly character of the area and will hurt local residents who become addicted to gambling.

“No one is talking about the social impact of what’s about to happen here when you bring a casino into virgin territory,” Bissontz said. “I have one study that says 83% of the revenue for casinos is from residents, my neighbors. You’re coming to pillage my village.”

Matt Bell, president of the Casino Association of Indiana, opposed the bill. He said adding a new license would bring instability to the industry.

“If y’all make the decision to create new licenses in Indiana, then you are injecting tremendous uncertainty into that investment market. You’re making it much harder to bring capital to the state of Indiana,” he said.

But the association doesn’t have a position on moving an existing license.

That is the route some believe makes more sense as the Rising Star Casino in southeastern Indiana’s Ohio County — owned and operated by Full House Resorts — has seen revenues plummet since casinos opened in Ohio and gambling has expanded in Kentucky.

Full House supported a bill last year to move its license to New Haven Indiana but the legislation died.

“We definitely agree that northeast Indiana should host a destination casino … we just disagree with the approach,” said Alex Stolyar, senior vice president for Full House. “We would rather see allowing us to relocate our license, rather than expanding.”

He also promised a high-quality casino resort that will be used to grow the region.

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

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WARSAW — Some of the biggest names in Indiana Republican politics are hosting a reception for four candidates running for Kosiusko County Council in 2026.

The block of candidates includes Council President Tony Ciriello, Dave Wolkins, Joe Erwin and Brad Jackson, a former county commissioner who confirmed his plans last week to run for council.

Elected officials supporting the block of candidates include Congressmen Marlin Stutzman and Rudy Yakym, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, State Sen. Ryan Mishler, and State Rep. Craig Snow.

The event is open to all residents. Snacks will be served.

RSVPs are requested by emailing kormsby@ryanmishler.com or calling 574-371-7790.

On a related note, the Kosciusko County Republican Party Annual Fall Fish Fry is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 30.

The event will be at the Home & Family Arts Building at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in Warsaw from 4 to 7 p.m.

It is all-you-can-eat for $14 for adults and $7 for children 5 to 12 years old. Children 4 and under are free.

Carryouts are available.

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WARSAW — Two area state lawmakers defended passage of SB 1, the property tax reform bill, which will have an impact on local governments.

Local elected officials have expressed concern, with some predicting that all of the taxing units in Kosciusko County — including cities, schools, towns, libraries, and Kosciusko County — will see a combined $5 million in lost tax revenue.

State Rep. Craig Snow and State Sen. Ryan Mishler both addressed the local budget issue. Snow said that with the exception of Warsaw schools, other taxing units will only see the rate of growth in tax revenue slow and won’t be reduced overall.

Warsaw schools are expected to see a decrease in funding of about $1.1 million.

Both lawmakers spoke on a wide range of issues Tuesday to Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce members and were asked what their message was to elected leaders who have expressed concern.

Despite the claims, they contend that local tax revenues are not being cut — instead, they are just not growing as once expected.

Snow points out that Kosciusko County, in 2026, will see anticipated revenue growth of 1.8 percent. In 2027, it’ll grow 4.9 percent while Warsaw will grow 3.7 percent in 2026 and 6.6 percent in 2027.

Snow said he received calls from local leaders concerned about the budget cuts.

"You know, I look at Tony Ciriello, president of the county (council), pulling his hair out, thinking, 'My gosh, the sky's falling. We're gonna start out the year with millions in deficits.' That's not the case. You just may not be able to do that project this year. You may have to wait a year," Snow said.

Snow also took a shot at consulting firms that work with taxing units on forecasting budget trends. One of those was Baker Tilly, which works with the city of Warsaw.

"But holy cow, when you come into a group, the county, the city, and schools, and start presenting this stuff, (need to) present it in an accurate fashion," Snow said. "The sky is not exactly falling. You're just gonna get a little less of your game."

Lawmakers faced more pressure after receiving a revenue forecast for future years that predicted a potential $2.4 billion decrease in state revenues in the future.

Overall, crafters of the state budget sought decreases of upward to 10 percent.

Mishler argued that circumstances involving state budget decisions are even more constraining than what is happening at the local level.

"In year 2, locals are going to have a 5.1 percent increase — projected — and we're (state) going to see one tenth of a percent," Mishler said. "We're not really feeling the sympathy there."

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WARSAW — State Sen. Ryan Mishler, one of the leading voices in crafting budgets and tax policy, didn’t have much good to say on Friday about property tax reform efforts in the state legislature.

Mishler pointed out what he called flaws in Gov. Mike Braun’s proposal, SB 1, and said a counter-proposal was way too complicated.

On top of that, he said he believes most Hoosiers don’t understand the plans.

One of the tenets of Braun's plan is to reset tax rates back several years to when they were less burdensome. But that goes against the legislative process of relying on market value.

Mishler said that would likely be decided in the court system.

“Will there be a challenge? Absolutely. It may hold up to a challenge, it may not. We never know about those things,” Mishler said.

He also derided a revamped bill that relied on wording from a previously considered HB 1402.

“It’s the most convoluted, complicated piece of legislation I’ve ever seen. And no one, zero people in that committee could explain it, which makes it more difficult. There are more formulas and things," Mishler said. "I thought I was a fairly intelligent guy, but there are only three or four things that I could finally get a grip on what they did."

Mishler was joined by State Reps. Craig Snow and David Abbott for a legislative update in Warsaw on Friday.

Snow represents much of Kosciusko County and part of Wabash County, and Abbott represents parts of Noble, Whitley, Elkhart and Kosciusko counties.

Mishler represents parts of Marshall, St. Joseph, Elkhart counties and a large chunk of Kosciusko County.

The legislative session has already moved into the second half of the calendar and is expected to conclude by the end of April.

Mishler said he would like to resurrect a past plan in which the homestead tax would be fully exempted in several years once the state retires a major pension debt.

Neither Snow nor Abbott had much to say about property tax reform.

Property tax reform, while the concept is popular with homeowners and others, has created substantial worry on the part of local elected leaders who say taxing units — including school districts, city government and county government — would face major shortfalls in revenue if approved.

Each lawmaker provided an update and then people in the audience were invited to ask questions.

Nobody in the audience offered any thoughts for or against property tax reform.

Both Snow and Mishler expressed some worry about the upcoming state revenue forecast, which will be released in a matter of weeks and provide insights into how much money the state can expect to have available.

That issue, Mishler said, will not be a factor in deciding property tax reform.

Snow and Abbott talked about the importance of improving water quality in Indiana lakes. In fact, both expressed a desire to work together on some projects that could dovetail with existing studies and insights involving the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams at Grace College.

Abbott said Braun has already voiced support for such initiatives.

The “Third House” legislative updates are hosted by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.

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