Comptroller Nieshalla, Governor Braun highlight Indiana’s leadership on National Debt Reform

State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla today joined Governor Mike Braun, legislative leaders, and Jonathan Williams, President and Chief Economist for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) to underscore Indiana’s leadership in building a growing movement from the states calling for federal action on the national debt crisis. 

Comptroller Nieshalla expressed gratitude to Governor Braun and Indiana’s legislators. “Your commitment to fiscal discipline has positioned us to lead in this national effort from the states. Indiana has demonstrated that disciplined budgeting, low debt, healthy reserves and transparent management provides a solid fiscal foundation for growth,” Comptroller Nieshalla said. “But the federal government’s $38 trillion debt threatens the economic future of every Hoosier and American.” 

In serving as the Chair of the National Debt Crisis Task Force of State Financial Officers Foundation, Comptroller Nieshalla made members of Indiana’s General Assembly aware last year of United States Senate Resolution 600 , introduced by then-Senator Mike Braun in 2024, as an opportunity to pass a similar resolution and join in calling out the national debt as a national security threat. In the U.S. Senate, the resolution not only passed in a bipartisan fashion – it passed unanimously.  

Two Indiana Senators, Daryl Schmitt (R-Jasper) and Brett Clark (R-Avon), then took on the mission to get a national debt crisis resolution passed in the Indiana Senate and authored Senate Resolution 51. They quickly gained leadership’s support, including Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville), resulting in an overwhelming, bi-partisan, voice vote passage from the floor.  

This session, the Indiana House is advancing House Resolution 28 on the national debt, authored by State Rep. Timothy O’Brien (R-Evansville), further strengthening the state’s leadership role in this growing national effort. 

Once the Indiana Senate passed the resolution last year, Comptroller Nieshalla reached out to Williams and State Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Granger), State Chair of ALEC and Sen. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo), former National Chair of ALEC, to ask if they would consider making Indiana SR 51 a model resolution to grow the call for national solvency from the states. As a result, ALEC approved a national debt model resolution and multiple states’ legislatures are now preparing to pass their own resolution. 

“The purpose of these resolutions is to build a ground swell of support from the states for President Trump and Congress to restore our country’s fiscal solvency – to lead head-on into tackling the massive $38 trillion debt problem and to enact a plan for achieving long-term fiscal stability,” added Nieshalla. 

Governor Braun praised the Comptroller’s leadership and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to responsible fiscal stewardship. 

“Indiana has shown that balanced budgets and responsible spending are not only possible — they are essential,” Governor Braun said. “I appreciate Comptroller Nieshalla’s leadership in elevating this issue nationally. Indiana is proud to stand at the forefront of a growing coalition calling for meaningful federal reform.” 

Nieshalla also commended the resolutions’ authors and co-authors for championing this effort. 

“Senator Schmitt, Senator Clark, Representative O’Brien and the many coauthors who joined them have shown tremendous leadership,” Nieshalla said. “Their work reflects the seriousness with which Indiana approaches fiscal responsibility and the urgency of addressing the national debt.” 

Schmitt, author of SR 51, said Indiana’s message to Washington is clear. "Our nation's debt is a burden on future generations, and our federal government must start taking it seriously. States must do more to hold the federal government accountable and work with our elected representatives to find ways to reduce our debt." 

Clark, second author of SR 51, emphasized the bipartisan support behind the effort. "The rising national debt is a growing issue that impacts everyone, and we can protect America's economic future by addressing the issue," Clark said. "I am glad to see Indiana leading the charge by enacting fiscally responsible policies and calling on the federal government to take action." 

O’Brien, author of HR 28, highlighted the urgency of federal action. "The national debt has ballooned to a point that is unsustainable and puts our country's security at risk," O'Brien said. "Indiana has been living within its means, passing balanced budgets and prioritizing fiscal responsibility for nearly two decades. This resolution urges leaders in Washington, D.C., to do the same."  

Treasurer of State Daniel Elliott, a member of the National Debt Crisis Task Force added, “For too long, the federal government has been spending way too much money and incurring unconscionable debt for future generations.  I’m proud to stand with Comptroller Nieshalla, Governor Braun and others and show the federal government and other states that good governance and sound fiscal policy are not mutually exclusive.” 

Jonathan Williams (ALEC) emphasized the broader national stakes. “Driven by chronic overspending, the national debt is more than an accounting problem — it is a direct threat to our national security, economic future, and the standard of living for all Americans,” Williams said. “Fiscally disciplined states that balance their budgets and restrain spending demonstrate that better choices are possible. Lasting relief will require the same common sense fiscal responsibility, paired with pro-growth economic policy.” 

Comptroller Nieshalla concluded the event remarking that, “In this 250th year of our independence, we, the states, need to resolve to support the re-securing of America’s financial independence as the necessary foundation to perpetuate our freedom and stability as a country.”