Goshen Community Forum on SEA 1

Residents of Goshen and greater Elkhart County made a clear statement of concern for the impact that State Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1) will have on local and county operating budgets.  Over 500 people packed the Goshen Theater on Wednesday, November 12, to attend a presentation organized by the Goshen City Democratic Party Call to Action Task Force.

The bipartisan meeting was co-hosted by Goshen Mayor Gina Leichty and Elkhart County Councilman Steven Clark with Indiana State Senator Blake Doriot and State Representative Joanna King present to answer questions. Goshen City Councilors Bradd Weddell and Linda Gerber facilitated the meeting.

The Indiana State Congress passed SEA 1 in April of 2025. It fundamentally implements changes in property tax rates as well as Local Income Tax levels. The bill was intended to reduce property tax bills for Indiana residents, but it is proving to have a detrimental effect on funding local government entities like public schools and essential services like fire and police departments. These changes will not go into effect until 2027, but elected officials are raising concerns now before major cutbacks may have to be initiated.

“For the first time in history, there wasn’t State money involved to help offset or decrease some of these costs. There were some good intentions, but there were also some really devastating unintentional consequences,” stated Mayor Leichty.

Clark explained the basics of SEA 1, why it was created, and how it has negatively impacted the budgeting process at county and municipal levels. A question and answer period followed. Both State officials noted they have been hearing these same concerns about SEA 1 from other municipalities and elected officials. They stated these concerns would be addressed in 2026 legislative sessions.

Written: Ron Altenhof

Edited: Marilyn Torres

Photo: Michael Wanbaugh