Republican Senator Mike Braun of Indiana running for Governor in 2024
2024 gubernatorial candidate Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) says his experience in business and legislature will help him govern, but Hoosiers will set the agenda.
For 20 years, Republicans have led our state well. We’ve built roads and bridges, kept our neighborhoods safe, and protected the right to life. As the party of purpose, we’ve consistently pushed to ensure that every Hoosier can pursue the American Dream.
As we look to Indiana’s next chapter, there are several issues worthy of reform, property taxes being one of them. It’s a crucial conversation that has the opportunity to simultaneously ease the burden on property owners, invigorate the free market and equip communities of all sizes with the resources to thrive — if tackled the right way.
Hicks: People prefer living where property taxes are high
Unlike the federal government’s reckless spending priorities, municipalities like Noblesville operate under strict fiscal discipline. We first set aside a portion of our annual revenues for our rainy day fund, ensuring we’re prepared for unforeseen challenges. Next, we dedicate 51% of our budget to public safety, recognizing that secure communities are the bedrock of thriving cities. Only then do we allocate the remaining funds to other critical initiatives, such as the long-anticipated Pleasant Street extension. These big-ticket items are vital investments in our city’s growth, safety, and long-term prosperity.
It’s not just major projects that shape our community, though. Smaller initiatives also yield long-term benefits. This year, we’ve allocated $200,000 to start rehabilitating a brick street downtown and $290,000 for sidewalk repairs. While these are certainly large dollar figures to any family or business, they are a drop in the bucket for a city that is home to 77,000 residents, whose homes are built along 313 miles of road, in a community that collectively spans more than 37 square miles.
The truth is, like every municipality in Indiana, Noblesville competes in a marketplace. But we’re not just vying with neighboring cities; we’re up against Dublin, Ohio; Franklin, Tennessee; and Davidson, North Carolina. In a hybrid work environment where a growing number of people can choose to live anywhere, we must ensure Indiana is the top pick — not just for its favorable tax climate, but for its vibrant and safe communities.
I’m concerned that some reform proposals, while ambitious, will risk hamstringing communities from adequately investing in public safety and infrastructure improvements in the future.
One idea suggests flattening and reducing the process entirely — a potential hazard for small communities relying on consistent revenue for essential services and infrastructure.
Another caps revenue from specific groups of Hoosiers. While I am all in to have a conversation around reform, and would personally benefit from both programs, I’m not sure either are the best way to ensure our communities remain vibrant and the tax burden is eased.
True reform demands difficult conversations between local officials and Statehouse leaders. It requires a critical examination of our priorities as communities and as a state. It calls for deeper civic engagement, with citizens actively participating in local government decisions and budget discussions.
Let there be tax reform, indeed. But let it be thoughtful and focused on building stronger communities — not just quick fixes that shine on campaign literature.
As Republicans, we have the opportunity to craft a solution that reflects our values of fiscal responsibility, local empowerment, and community investment. Let’s seize this moment to reinforce Indiana’s position as a beacon of conservative governance and economic vitality — for all.
Aaron Smith is a member of the Noblesville City Council and served as the body’s president in 2023.