INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Gov. Mike Pence is deciding whether to use about $250 million of the state’s surplus to provide relief to local businesses by paying off a federal unemployment loan this fall.

If the loan is paid off by Nov. 9, the state’s employers would save an estimated $327 million in penalties next year. The Indianapolis Star reports that the governor’s office and supporters of the plan say it would bring tax relief for job creators and ultimately help the state’s economy.

But a public finance expert and state Rep. Greg Porter, the Democratic fiscal leader in the Indiana House, believe the surplus generated by all taxpayers should be used in a way that would benefit residents.

Porter hopes Pence will consider allocating surplus money to roads and preschool education.