Indiana State Representative Gail Riecken of Evansville was among Democrats who voted against the $31 billion, two-year state budget.
Riecken says one reason she voted “no” is because the budget doesn’t serve the needs of at-risk children.
She points to a measure that would have provided a tax break to grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. She also says the budget doesn’t provide enough money for the Court Appointed Special Advocate program.
The budget has moved to the Indiana Senate, where Riecken is hoping for more progress on the issues.
Riecken says in a news release that she has “great trust” in people like Republican Senator Vaneta Becker of Evansville, who she says has a “proven track record of caring about our kids.”