In Fishers Voting Recap: SEA 1 Local Government Finance

What happens at the Statehouse doesn’t stay at the Statehouse. It hits our classrooms, our teachers, and our kids. SEA 1, the property tax overhaul passed in 2025, will strip millions from HSE Schools over the next several years, leaving fewer resources for teacher pay, facility upkeep, and essential programs.

Property tax revenue is one of two primary sources that fund public schools. Due to SEA 1, HSE Schools will have significantly less funding for teacher salaries and benefits (–$2.2 million annually starting in 2027), facility maintenance, and capital improvement projects (–$4.5 million in 2026). To offset these losses, Fishers residents will either have increased costs or risk negative educational outcomes for our children. 

Senate Enrolled Act 1 is a comprehensive tax reform bill that provides property tax relief for homeowners while restricting the local income tax (LIT) system for local governments. This bill was authored by Sen. Travis Holdman (R-19), Sen. Chris Garten (R-45), and Sen. Scott Baldwin (R-20; Noblesville). It was signed into law on April 15, 2025, by Gov. Mike Braun.

Fishers legislators Rep. Todd Huston (R-37), Rep. Chris Jeter (R-88), and Sen. Kyle Walker (R-31) all voted in favor of this bill. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-32) was the only Fishers legislator to vote against it. Rep. Alaina Shonkwiler (R-29; Noblesville) was excused from voting.

So overall, the impacts of SEA 1 include:

1.     Teachers may leave the district if their salary increases do not match cost-of-living adjustments.

2.     School programs may face other cuts.

3.     Tax rate will increase for residents.

4.     Costs for parents will increase to compensate for program cuts.

Republican legislators love to boast about our school district’s successes, yet they continue to demand that our schools do more with fewer resources. We must keep holding them accountable for their votes and the real impact those decisions have on our community. It’s time to support candidates who tell the truth and stand with our students, educators, and families.