News

I am proud to share encouraging news from across our district as several local schools were recently recognized by the Indiana Department of Education for achieving high literacy rates on the 2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination assessment. This achievement reflects the dedication of teachers, students and families who continue to prioritize literacy in the classroom.

While America is sprinting to bolster its artificial intelligence capabilities, lawmakers in Washington, D.C., appear to be standing still. That silence is becoming harder to defend. As AI rapidly reshapes American life, Congress must establish clear guardrails to ensure this technology strengthens economic growth and national security rather than undermines them. 

STATEHOUSE (April 17, 2026) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation co-authored by State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield) to support injured public safety workers and their families.

STATEHOUSE (April 17, 2026) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation co-sponsored by State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) to improve health care access and support public safety officers across Indiana.

STATEHOUSE (April 16, 2026) – State Rep. Mark Genda (R-Frankfort) recently welcomed local students to the Statehouse where they participated in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2026 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (April 16, 2026) – The governor recently ceremonially signed into law legislation sponsored by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) to expand jury duty exemptions to include new breastfeeding mothers.

STATEHOUSE (April 16, 2025) – State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) joined other state leaders in supporting the Indiana governor's proposal to invest an additional $200 million in the state's free and reduced-cost child care voucher program.

STATEHOUSE (April 16, 2026) – Local schools in Northeast Indiana were recently recognized for achieving high literacy rates by the Indiana Department of Education, according to State Reps. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) and Tony Isa (R-Angola).

State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) joined fellow members of the State Budget Committee in approving an additional $200 million to expand access to child care for low-income families.

STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2026) – The governor recently ceremonially signed into law a bill authored by State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) to improve transparency and fairness in towing.

The 2026 legislative session concluded with the passage of several new laws aimed at lowering everyday costs, streamlining government and giving families and communities opportunities to thrive, according to Hendricks County lawmakers.

The 2026 legislative session concluded with the passage of several new laws aimed at lowering everyday costs, streamlining government and giving families and communities opportunities to thrive, according to Boone County legislators.

STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2026) – Local schools were recently recognized for achieving high literacy rates by the Indiana Department of Education, according to area legislators.

STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2026) – State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) recently presented an Indiana House of Representatives District Declaration to Dave Yarde in recognition of his decades of service to education, local government and the DeKalb County community.  

STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2026) – Gov. Mike Braun recently ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) to modernize dental licensing requirements and strengthen Indiana’s health care workforce.

STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2026) – Local schools were recently recognized for achieving high literacy rates by the Indiana Department of Education, according to Johnson County legislators.

STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2026) – The governor recently ceremonially signed a law co-authored by State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) to increase home ownership across the state.

STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2026) – Local schools were recently recognized for achieving high literacy rates by the Indiana Department of Education, according to State Rep. Ethan Lawson (R-Greenfield).

Dearborn, Ohio and Switzerland County schools were recently recognized for achieving high literacy rates by the Indiana Department of Education, according to State Rep. Garrett Bascom (R-Lawrenceburg).

State Rep. Ryan Lauer (R-Columbus) joined Governor Mike Braun and fellow legislators for the ceremonial signing of a new law he authored to strengthen protections for victims.

PHOTO CAPTION: State Reps. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) (third from left), Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) (fourth from left) and Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) (second from right) join LeAnn Angerman, NWI regional director for U.S. Sen. Jim Banks (far left), Dyer Chief of Police, William Alcott (second from left), Dyer Council President Bob Starkey (third from right) and State Sen. Dan Dernulc (R-Highland) (far right) at the ribbon cutting of the South Shore Line's Monon Corridor. 

Note to the Press – State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, issued the following statement today regarding the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher funding announcement.

Note to the Press – Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) issued the following statement today regarding the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) voucher funding announcement.

STATEHOUSE (April 14, 2026) – "Finding and affording reliable child care is a huge challenge for many working families. The legislature provided funding flexibility this session to help support the CCDF voucher program and reach additional families. I'm glad to see the administration pursue this additional funding option, and we will continue efforts aimed at reducing child care costs, encouraging more providers and supporting families."

STATEHOUSE (April 14, 2026) – Jay County Christian Academy and Randolph Southern Elementary School were recently recognized for achieving high literacy rates by the Indiana Department of Education, according to State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City).

The governor recently ceremonially signed a new bipartisan law authored by State Rep. Julie McGuire (R-Indianapolis) to provide greater transparency and oversight to child fatality investigations by the Indiana Department of Child Services.