News

The 2026 legislative session has wrapped up, and bills have either been signed into law by the governor or await his signature. For the last two months, I listened, voted on and advocated for legislation that will benefit and improve the quality of life for Hoosiers in House District 16.

STATEHOUSE (April 20, 2026) – The governor recently ceremonially signed into law legislation sponsored by State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) to strengthen life and career readiness for Hoosier students.

STATEHOUSE (April 20, 2026) – State Reps. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) and Tony Isa (R-Angola) joined other state leaders in supporting a proposal to invest an additional $200 million to expand access to child care for low-income families.

CAPTION: State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) joins fourth grade students from Central Lutheran School on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in the House Chamber at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. The group toured the Statehouse, learned about how a bill becomes law and asked Heine questions about his role as a state representative.

STATEHOUSE (April 20, 2026) – State Rep. Elizabeth Rowray (R-Yorktown) joined fellow members of the State Budget Committee in approving the Indiana governor's proposal to invest an additional $200 million to expand access to child care for low-income families.

STATEHOUSE (April 20, 2026) – State Rep. Lori Goss-Reaves (R-Marion) 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 20, 2026) – State Rep. Lindsay Patterson (R-Brookville) joined fellow members of the State Budget Committee in approving the Indiana governor's proposal to invest an additional $200 million to expand access to child care for low-income families.

STATEHOUSE (April 20, 2026) – The governor recently ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) to strengthen transparency in real estate services and provide more information to consumers.

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.