Indiana’s life expectancy is falling, says state health commissioner Dr. Kris Box. A bill being discussed in that committee would provide additional state funding to county health departments that opt into the program. Among other things, the bill is also intended to stomp out political influence within health departments. Some skeptics of the bill testified before the committee as well. Some fear that the bill will allow the state to exercise more control over local health departments. Sen. Ed Charbonneau said that if a county does not want to be a part of the funding program, they don’t have to be. The Senate Health Committee approved the measure unanimously, but at least three members said they want to see language clarifying what state leaders can and cannot do if counties decide to opt into the additional funding.