INDIANAPOLIS — Providing education funding increases in the next state budget could be a problem for Indiana lawmakers.

Members of the General Assembly return to the Statehouse today (1/3/19) for a session that will likely last until late April.

Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb and GOP legislative leaders have said boosting teacher pay is a top priority, but that will compete for money with growing Medicaid and child protection expenses.

The legislative session could be occupied by a possible heated debate over adopting a state hate crimes law and proposals to allow sports betting in the state.

Republicans are entering their seventh year of super majorities in both the House and the Senate that give them complete control of legislative action.