STATEHOUSE (April 25, 2019) – Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) to extend broadband to rural regions of the state could soon become law. “Reliable internet has become critical for success in the classroom as well as in the business world,” said Soliday, chair of the House Utilities, Energy and

House Republican lawmakers declared victory on their top 10 priority bills today as they wrapped up the 2019 legislative session.

House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) said the passage of a $34 billion balanced two-year state budget topped the list with a record increase in new K-12 education funding.

STATEHOUSE (April 24, 2019) – Indiana lawmakers successfully passed Indiana’s next two-year state budget, which includes a historic investment in K-12 public education, according to State Rep. Todd Huston (R-Fishers) and State Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen).

STATEHOUSE (April 25, 2019) – State Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s (R-Kokomo) legislation improving local government efficiency could soon become law.

Karickhoff worked with Accelerate Indiana Municipalities to modernize several local government processes. AIM advocates on behalf of towns throughout the state on important issues.

STATEHOUSE (April 24, 2019) — State Rep. Donna Schaibley’s (R-Carmel) legislation that would provide additional measures to prevent licensed coaches with a history of misconduct with children from working with students may soon become law.

STATEHOUSE (April 23, 2019) – “The state budget proposal represents our strong commitment to funding the state’s priorities while holding the line on spending and maintaining reserves. We responsibly boosted investments in public K-12 education, school safety and proven workforce programs. Republican leaders in the House and Senate along with Gov. Eric Holcomb worked hard to meet the state’s needs and maintain a structurally balanced budget.”

“This structurally balanced budget is a reflection of collaboration and extensive work on all sides, and we are confident it covers the state’s most pressing needs while safeguarding vital reserves. Our proposal strengthens our commitment to students and teachers with record increases to education, fully funds the Department of Child Services, and makes critical investments into workforce development. We are ready to get this fiscally sound budget over the finish line on behalf of all Hoosiers.”

STATEHOUSE (April 23, 2019) — Legislation sponsored by Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger) allowing certain adults to help homeless youth obtain identification documents could soon become law.

Improving outcomes for foster children is a priority for lawmakers this legislative session. I am sponsoring Senate Bill 1 to strengthen the Indiana Department of Child Services by prioritizing the best interests of vulnerable children, making changes to adoption consent and implementing foster parent intervention.

With session coming to a close shortly, lawmakers are working to fine-tune legislation. One of my priorities this session has been strengthening mental health resources in our schools. Providing students with the appropriate mental health treatment options is an important part of encouraging success both in school and at home. According to the Department

STATEHOUSE (April 22, 2019) – Legislation authored by State Rep. Douglas Gutwein (R-Francesville) to better address flooding and drainage in the Kankakee and Yellow river basins could soon be signed into law by the governor. “The flooding last year caused severe damage to local homes and farms, and took far too long to address,” Gutwein

STATEHOUSE (April 22, 2019) – Legislation authored by State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) incentivizing data centers to locate in Indiana could soon be signed into law by the governor. Data centers are facilities that house servers to collect, store and process large amounts of data. According to Soliday, data centers can greatly enhance the

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, the death rate due to drug abuse has consistently increased over the past several years. While there are programs providing treatment, there is a significant amount of work to further combat the opioid addiction crisis in our state. To assist Hoosiers in their fight to overcome addiction, I am supporting legislation to help those seeking treatment and offer additional funding for recovery centers.

Across the state, more children are being placed in temporary homes and spending part of their childhood in foster care. The trauma experienced during this chaotic and confusing time impacts young Hoosiers in many ways. As part of ongoing efforts to improve the outcomes for kids in the foster care system, we are looking for ways to help them succeed in school. Thanks to a recent report, we now have a better understanding of the challenges foster care students face, and how we can better meet their needs.

STATEHOUSE (April 18, 2019) – Members of the House of Representatives Thursday at the Statehouse honored State Rep. Dave Frizzell (R-Indianapolis) for his 27 years representing House District 93. Frizzell will be retiring from his position June 30.

STATEHOUSE (April 18, 2019) — Legislation authored by State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) helping counties hire highway engineers and move forward on road projects could soon become law. According to Aylesworth, county highway engineers play an important role in the on-time completion of road projects. With increased construction projects in

STATEHOUSE (April 18, 2019) – Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) providing justice to victims of fertility fraud could soon become law. According to Pressel, this legislation stems from a recent case in which Indianapolis fertility specialist Donald Cline used his own sperm to impregnate over 50 women without their

STATEHOUSE (April 18, 2019) – Legislation authored by State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) providing better services to Bureau of Motor Vehicle customers could soon be signed into law by the governor. Under the legislation, the BMV would alert vehicle owners of manufacturer-issued safety recalls while registering their vehicle. Car manufacturers are

STATEHOUSE (April 17, 2019) – Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) improving transportation services for Hoosier Medicaid patients heads to the governor’s desk to be considered for a new law. Last year, the state contracted Southeastrans, a transportation brokerage company, to provide consistent non-emergency

STATEHOUSE (April 16, 2019) — After receiving support in the House and Senate, State Rep. Randy Frye’s (R-Greensburg) legislation calling for more oversight for Indiana’s Military Family Relief Fund could soon become law.

STATEHOUSE (April 16, 2019) — Local communities recently received more than $1.5 million in state matching grants to improve roads and bridges, according to State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).

April is Child Abuse Awareness Month and a great opportunity to call attention to how we can better protect our kids. By strengthening the penalties for parents who use illegal drugs or are convicted of child molestation or exploitation, we hope to create a safer environment for Hoosier children. I am sponsoring Senate Enrolled Act 323 to build stronger protections for vulnerable children.

Rural communities like ours make up a large portion of Indiana. In many cases, cities and towns impose regulations and restrictions on property owners who reside outside of their jurisdiction. To help address this issue and prevent government overreach, I am supporting legislation that would put regulatory decisions back into the hands of county officials

STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2019) — Local communities recently received more than $2.4 million in state matching grants, according to State Rep. David Abbott (R-Rome City).

STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2019) – On My Way Pre-K applications for the 2019-20 school year are now available for DeKalb County 4-year-olds, according to State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn).