Indiana State Senator Mark Spencer has stepped into the fray following a major accounting mishap by the state's comptroller's office, which led to a misallocation of wagering tax revenues heavily affecting three cities, according to a recent statement he released.
The issue at hand, which was promptly acknowledged by the Indiana Comptroller’s office, revolves around an approximate $14 million that was inadvertently funneled into the City of Gary when in fact it should have been distributed among Gary, East Chicago, and Michigan City; this oversight Spice has been vocal about working with Gary’s Mayor Eddie Melton and the city’s Controller Celita Green in pursuit to rectify this financial imbalance in the most equitable manner.
With a sense of urgency expressed by all parties involved, Spencer has made sure to highlight that the blame does not rest on Gary, or any of the wronged municipalities for that matter; as he said in a statement obtained by Indiana Senate Democrats, “The failure to disburse payments is in no way shape or form, the fault of the City of Gary, or any of the other affected communities.”
As conversations continue, solutions are being sought that wouldn't compromise Gary's financial security. Considering the city already received and likely allocated the monies from the erroneous payment, this fair resolution is imperative for the well-being of the collective Northwest Indiana region, with Spencer emphasizing a solution "that is fair to all communities involved" and voicing his anticipation for “continued conversations, as we examine possible solutions that focus on empowering Northwest Indiana and the folks who call it home,” as mentioned on the Indiana Senate Democrats website.
