Indiana’s state agencies are slowly earning approval for their plans to save money after being hit with effective 10% spending cuts amid a tough budget cycle.

A grim May revenue forecast prompted lawmakers to cut most agency appropriations by 5% in the latest biennial budget – and authorize the State Budget Agency to withhold another 5% .

Agencies were forced to describe how they’ll meet that target in “strategic spending reduction plans” due at the end of June. The first batch of plans got the green light last week.

The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute plans to conduct monthly reviews of spending – with any “deviations” to be “flagged, investigated and addressed,” Executive Director Douglas Huntsinger and Chief Financial Officer Sheryll Espinas wrote .

Some agencies took aim

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