Ann Vermilion

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 4, 2020) — Projects expanding fast and reliable internet to unserved homes and businesses in Grant County can now move forward thanks to more than $283,000 in state broadband grants, according to area lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 21, 2020) – With about $570 million in unclaimed property available, State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) said Hoosiers should visit IndianaUnclaimed.gov today to see if money is waiting for them.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 13, 2020) – State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) encourages Hoosier small-business owners and entrepreneurs to apply for a free program that provides direct technical support to help build their online presence.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 6, 2020) – Grant County lawmakers encourage Hoosier small-business owners and entrepreneurs to apply for a program that provides direct technical support to help build their online presence.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 3, 2020) — Several Grant County businesses recently received the Governor’s Half Century or Century Business awards recognizing their longstanding service in the community, according to area lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (July 23, 2020) – Indiana Grown celebrates its five-year anniversary this month as it continues to attract more members and expand services, according to State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion).

STATEHOUSE (July 21, 2020) – Indiana is temporarily expanding its successful Next Level Jobs program through Dec. 30 to include more job seekers and employers, according to Delaware County lawmakers.

 STATEHOUSE (July  17, 2020) – Indiana is temporarily expanding its successful Next Level Jobs program through Dec. 30 to include more job seekers and employers, according to Grant County lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (July 16, 2020) – Indiana is temporarily expanding its successful Next Level Jobs program through Dec. 30 to include more job seekers and employers, according to State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion).

STATEHOUSE (July 8, 2020) – State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) encourages veterans and Indiana companies to sign up for INvet's next-generation website that connects service members directly with Hoosier businesses.

STATEHOUSE (July 2, 2020) – With many new laws effective this month, State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) said several important changes support Hoosier teachers, patients and farmers.

STATEHOUSE (June 30, 2020) – As Indiana continues to get back on track, State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) said the state is dedicating nearly $44 million in federal funds to help small businesses and manufacturers impacted by COVID-19.

STATEHOUSE (June 19, 2020) – Area lawmakers encourage Hoosiers who may be struggling to make ends meet and needing food assistance to turn to the state's recently launched Operation Food program for help.  

STATEHOUSE (June 19, 2020) – Area lawmakers encourage Hoosiers who may be struggling to make ends meet and needing food assistance to turn to the state's recently launched Operation Food program for help.  

STATEHOUSE (June 18, 2020) – State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) encourages Hoosiers who may be struggling to make ends meet and needing food assistance to turn to the state's recently launched Operation Food program for help.  

STATEHOUSE (June 12, 2020) — Local farmers and agricultural producers directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, according to State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion).

STATEHOUSE (June 4, 2020) – Delaware County and local communities are eligible for more than $6.5 million to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to local lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (June 1, 2020) – State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) encourages Hoosiers whose jobs were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to take advantage of tuition-free training grants offered through Indiana's Next Level Jobs program.

STATEHOUSE (May 28, 2020) – Blackford County and local towns are eligible for more than $635,000 to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion).

STATEHOUSE (May 28, 2020) – Hancock County and local communities are eligible for more than $3.8 million to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield).

STATEHOUSE (May 19, 2020) – Local small businesses and nonprofits can now utilize the state's new online marketplace to request personal protective equipment, according to State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion).

STATEHOUSE (May 12, 2020) – Blackford County along with several local communities recently received a total of more than $426,000 in coronavirus relief to support rural Hoosiers, according to State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion).

STATEHOUSE (April 17, 2020) – With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, Grant County legislators said there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home. 

STATEHOUSE (April 13, 2020) – With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) said there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home.  

STATEHOUSE (March 31, 2020) – State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) encourages Hoosier workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to access recently expanded state and federal resources for help.

Developmental disabilities and delays can affect the lives of children and their families in many ways. Families typically need special education services for their children, or adjustments made to educational and developmental programs.

Diabetes is a serious health issue that can affect all aspects of a person’s life. In Indiana, more than 738,000 Hoosiers have been diagnosed with this disease. For those with Type 1 diabetes, insulin is critical to staying healthy. This session, I sponsored legislation that would remove barriers for those in need of insulin.

Indiana is recognized as a top state in the country for our infrastructure, fiscal responsibility and strong economy. Unfortunately, we do not rank as well when it comes to health care costs, with Hoosiers spending more annually on medical expenses than the average American and smoking rates continuing to rise. This session, I join House lawmakers working to drive down healthcare costs by stopping surprise, out-of-network billing and reducing youth smoking.

With nearly nine Americans killed and more than 1,000 injured each day as a result of distracted driving, steps must be taken to combat this problem. State law currently prohibits texting when driving. However, Hoosiers use their hand-held devices in various ways, making this law hard to enforce. This session, Indiana House lawmakers are working to combat distracted driving to save lives and prevent injuries.

PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) pairs her sneakers with her suit to help kick off February as National Cancer Prevention Month on Jan. 29, 2020, at the Statehouse.

HOUSE DISTRICT 31 (Nov. 25, 2019) – State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) hosted a listening tour on Wednesday, Nov. 20 in House District 31 to meet and hear from constituents, employers and community leaders on local and state issues.

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 13, 2019) – State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) will host several public meetings on Wednesday, Nov. 20 to gather feedback from local Hoosiers before the legislative session begins in January.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 15, 2019) – Blackford County was recently awarded $523,911 in state matching grants to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion).

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 4, 2019) – State Rep. Ann Vermilion (R-Marion) was recently appointed to three House standing committees.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 14, 2019) – Ann Vermilion of Marion took the oath of office today to serve as state representative for House District 31.

WHO:

State Rep.-elect Ann Vermilion (R-Marion)

Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush

STATEHOUSE (June 14, 2019) – State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) announced today he will be resigning effective July 31, 2019, from the House of Representatives due to accepting a position with Community Health Network and moving outside of District 31.

STATEHOUSE (June 13, 2019) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan’s (R-Hartford City) legislation helping improve outcomes for the foster care system was ceremonially signed into law today at the Statehouse by Gov. Eric Holcomb.

STATEHOUSE (June 3, 2019) – State Rep. Kevin Mahan’s (R-Hartford City) legislation establishing the Sepsis Treatment Guideline Task Force was ceremonially signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Eric Holcomb at the Statehouse.

STATEHOUSE (May 15, 2019) – State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) recently welcomed local student pages to the Statehouse.

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.

STATEHOUSE (April 10, 2019) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) at the Statehouse honored Marion native Pearl Bassett for her work as a civil rights activist throughout the majority of her nearly 108 years of life.

The first law enacted by the Indiana General Assembly this session will help save the lives of Hoosier babies. I co-sponsored Senate Enrolled Act 41 to expand the scope of newborn screenings in order to identify more diseases and conditions, so that babies have a better chance of survival.

STATEHOUSE (March 29, 2019) — Longstanding Grant County businesses recently received the Governor’s Half Century or Century Business Award, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

Each year, the Salvation Army assists more than 25 million Americans. Since 1865, the international organization and its 1.5 million members have helped with providing disaster relief, sheltering the homeless, assisting the unemployed and preventing domestic abuse. With nearly 50 million Americans facing food insecurity each day, the Salvation Army also helps stop hunger by providing nutritious meals to anyone in need.

STATEHOUSE (March 20, 2019) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) recently honored members of the Indiana Sheriff’s Association at the Statehouse.

The 2019 legislative session crossed the halfway point, with 201 House bills and 218 Senate bills passing out of their original chambers. The House will now consider Senate proposals, and the Senate will consider House proposals. During the first half of session, I worked on key issues to improve the Indiana Department of Child Services, enhance school safety and save lives by implementing new sepsis treatment protocols.

STATEHOUSE (March 8, 2019) – State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) this week at the Statehouse received the National Federation of Independent Business’ Guardian of Small Business Award.

STATEHOUSE (March 7, 2019) – State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) presented the Circle of Corydon award to Marion native Jay Yeakle for his work helping families of sick children.

Indiana is ranked among the top 10 in the nation for its business climate and pro-growth policies, but more needs to be done to build up our workforce and better prepare Hoosiers for careers in high-demand fields. House Bill 1002, which I voted in favor of, would reallocate existing state funds to proven workforce programs so Hoosiers can increase their certifications, earn stackable credentials and secure higher-paying jobs in sought after fields.

House lawmakers are working to improve the outcomes of children in the welfare system. A six-month assessment of the Department of Child Services found that Indiana has a very high rate of children in out-of-home care, with more than half of the removals related to parental substance abuse. Proposed legislation I support would implement recommendations based off this independent evaluation of DCS by the Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group, and findings from the House Interim Study Committee on Courts and the Judiciary.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 8, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted in support of State Rep. Kevin Mahan’s (R-Hartford City) legislation establishing the Sepsis Treatment Protocol Task Force.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 1, 2019) – The House Committee on Public Health voted to advance State Rep. Kevin Mahan’s (R-Hartford City) legislation that would require hospitals to have sepsis treatment protocols in place.

Indiana schools have many tools available to keep students and educators safe. However, after two school shooting incidents in under a year, it is clear that more must be done in order to protect Hoosier students, teachers and staff. This session, state lawmakers are taking steps to better ensure the safety and well-being of those in our schools.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 23, 2019) — Montpelier recently received a $600,000 federal grant for stormwater system improvements, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

The 2019 legislative session recently began and lawmakers are quickly getting to work addressing issues impacting our state. This session, Indiana House Republican priorities include passing a biennial budget that supports the state’s fiscal needs, protecting our youth, increasing teacher pay, strengthening workforce initiatives and supporting Hoosier veterans.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 24, 2018) – College students and recent graduates seeking an internship with the Indiana House of Representatives must submit their applications before the Oct. 31 deadline, according to area lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 28, 2018) — Current high school seniors planning to pursue a degree in education can now apply for the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to area lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (July 27, 2018) – Indiana House Republicans are now accepting internship applications for the 2019 legislative session, which begins in January, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

STATEHOUSE (June 20, 2018) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) was recently selected to chair the Interim Study Committee on Government.

STATEHOUSE (June 13, 2018) – The Indiana Department of Education on Tuesday awarded Eastbrook High School for student AP exam success during the 2016-2017 school year, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

STATEHOUSE (May 25, 2018) - “Today is a time to focus our attention on the two victims, their families and the entire Noblesville community. As a former sheriff, I’d like to commend the efforts of law enforcement, first responders and Noblesville Schools on their swift response. The cohesiveness displayed between local, county, state and federal law enforcement, and first responders was key to quickly resolving the situation. Noblesville Schools’ emergency response plan promotes a three-pronged approach – plan, practice, prepare – and it’s my belief that helped mitigate today’s outcome. As the father of an eighth-grade student, this hits close to home. It’s now important for Hoosiers to rally around those in Noblesville.”

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 21, 2017) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) will host a listening tour to gather feedback from local Hoosiers before the start of the upcoming legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 17, 2017) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) participated in the ‘Educator for a Day’ program at Eastbrook North Elementary on Friday.

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 7, 2017) — Blackford High School, Delta High School and Marion High School were among 130 schools honored during Monday’s Indiana Dual Credit Recognition Ceremony at the Statehouse, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 18, 2017) – Applications to intern with the Indiana House Republicans during the 2018 legislative session are due Oct. 31, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 12, 2017) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Marion a $350,000 Community Development Block Grant for local projects, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 21, 2017) — Local communities will receive state matching grants to improve roads and bridges, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 6, 2017) – State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) joined lawmakers during an Interim Study Committee on Government meeting Wednesday to discuss possible solutions to eliminate food deserts.  

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 17, 2017) – New data released by the Indiana State Police indicates a 58 percent decline in statewide methamphetamine lab seizures so far this year, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

Every Hoosier has the right to feel safe within their home and community. Unfortunately, over the last few years, there has been a slight uptick in criminal offenses reported by the Indiana State Police in our area. To help address this issue, I supported several new laws to help better identify dangerous criminals and address high-crime areas throughout the state.

STATEHOUSE (July 13, 2017) — “More than 500 miles of road lanes will be resurfaced in our area, and we can complete other projects including maintaining and replacing bridges and correcting curves to keep motorists safe. Thanks to this critical state funding, we will make a tremendous investment in our local communities, which will serve as a boon for our overall economy. These much-needed infrastructure improvements will help ensure Indiana remains the Crossroads of America without creating debt and placing the financial burden on future generations.” 

STATEHOUSE (July 6, 2017) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) was recently named to two summer study committees, which examine assigned topics, gather testimonies and recommend potential legislation.

I hope you and your family have been enjoying the summer weather. It’s hard to believe that June has already come and gone. With the summer comes a time of celebrating high school graduations. Congratulations to the many local seniors who completed this chapter of their lives. Your hard work has finally paid off, and our community is incredibly proud of your accomplishments. I know throughout your academic career you had a tremendous support system in your teachers. This year, I joined my fellow lawmakers in supporting a biennial state budget that is honestly balanced and provides an increase to the base funding for each K-12 student statewide. I also supported several other pieces of legislation that put students first.

STATEHOUSE (June 16, 2017) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) earned a perfect score on the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Vote Analysis for his support of pro-jobs, pro-economy legislation.

STATEHOUSE (June 8, 2017) — Delaware and Grant counties are now eligible to participate in On My Way Pre-K, an early education pilot program established in 2014, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

STATEHOUSE (May 17, 2017) — Local students planning to pursue a career in education are among the recipients of this year’s Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarship, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City). 

STATEHOUSE (May 10, 2017) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan’s (R-Hartford City) legislation granting members of fire departments the option of representation when facing disciplinary action was ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb Wednesday. 

At the Statehouse, we recently concluded our legislative business for 2017 and adjourned Sine Die. We passed an honestly balanced budget and created a long-term, sustainable road funding plan. Overall, it was an extremely successful session. 

 STATEHOUSE (April 26, 2017) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse.

Once again, there has been a lot of discussion about e-liquids and vaping during the 2017 legislative session. This year, I was a co-sponsor on Senate Bill 1, which would make some changes to the e-liquid laws that were previously enacted. I joined the conversation on vaping back in 2015, when I became the original author of legislation that began the process of creating guidelines and safety precautions for Hoosiers that manufacture, distribute, sell and use e-liquids.

Recently, the Indiana State Police reported a drop in methamphetamine lab busts throughout the state. In 2016, the statewide number dropped by 35 percent. Our community saw a significant reduction in the number of meth lab seizures from 2015 to 2016. Meth lab incidents in Blackford County were cut by more than half, reducing the number from 234 to 145, and Grant County went down from 15 to 10.

STATEHOUSE (March 29, 2017) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan’s (R-Hartford City) legislation granting members of fire departments the option of representation when facing disciplinary action could soon become law.  

In March of last year, 11 people in Indiana lost their lives as a result of impaired driving. With the NCAA tournament and start of spring, this month seems to experience an uptick in dangerous and impaired driving. To save lives and prevent injuries resulting from car crashes, law enforcement officials are stepping up patrols and working to keep us safe.

Recently, I have received many questions about the Hoosier Lottery from members of our community. People want to know exactly where the money goes, and why it cannot be put toward funding our roads and bridges. The fact is that these funds are already accounted for and are used to finance a number of worthy efforts.

As a former sheriff, I believe educating people on how to protect themselves against crime is important. Recently, Indiana has been experiencing an increase in cases related to phone scams. While crimes like this can have devastating consequences for the victims, there are proactive steps you can take to prevent and decrease the likelihood of being a victim. There are also services available to provide assistance to the victims of these crimes.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 6, 2017) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan’s (R-Hartford City) legislation granting members of fire departments the option of representation when facing disciplinary action passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives today 91-4. 

Indiana House Republicans have developed a plan to support the state’s transportation infrastructure needs. The plan outlined in House Bill 1002 is long-term, data-driven solution that will keep Indiana connected and on track with our agriculture, manufacturing and logistics-based economy.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 25, 2017) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) was recognized today as Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police for his dedication to law enforcement.

Last year, House Republicans championed legislation that worked to lower the number of Indiana’s drug-related incidents. I supported a new law to drastically reduce the number of methamphetamine labs in Indiana. Thanks to this legislation and the ongoing dedication of Indiana law enforcement, the state saw a 35 percent decrease in statewide meth lab seizures in 2016, according to Indiana State Police statistics.

It’s hard to believe that another session is already beginning. While I am thankful for the opportunity to continue serving you at the Statehouse, there’s a lot of work to be done to continue moving Indiana forward.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 4, 2017) — Applications are now open for students interested in participating in the Indiana House Page Program, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 16, 2016) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) was recently reappointed to serve as chair of the House Committee on Government and Regulatory Reform. 

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 22, 2016) – “Each year, the General Assembly selects an organization that positively impacts our state. Habitat for Humanity is a great organization that benefits families and communities across Indiana,” Mahan said. “Not having a home to call their own is an unfortunate reality for many Hoosiers. I’m grateful that this group has helped provide an affordable, well-built house for Natalie and her family.” 

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 22, 2016) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) joined fellow legislators at the Statehouse today for the Indiana General Assembly’s Organization Day. 

At the 11th hour, on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, The Great War came to an end. One year later, we honored those who lost their lives serving our country in World War I on Armistice Day. Thirty-five years later, after World War II, Armistice Day officially became Veterans Day – honoring all veterans who have served in the United States military.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 27, 2016) – The State Budget Committee approved Ball State University’s $62.5 million funding request to create a proposed Health Professions Building on Thursday, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

Indiana is struggling with addiction. Since 2010, heroin overdoses have almost tripled. Our state has led the nation in meth lab incidents for the last three years. These statistics are heartbreaking, and I am working with my fellow lawmakers to drastically lower these numbers. We have already passed laws that will help reduce illegal drug use in the state. In fact, it was one of our top priorities last session.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 6, 2016) – Local communities recently received over $2.8 million in federal funding to improve infrastructure, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 28, 2016) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) and fellow Republican members of the Indiana House of Representatives are seeking interns for the upcoming 2017 legislative session, which runs from January through April. 

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 16, 2016) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) on Friday presented Ed Breen with a Sagamore of the Wabash for serving his community as a journalist over the last 50 years. 

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 26, 2016) — Local communities received state matching grants this week to improve roads and bridges, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Harford City).

As a state representative for District 31, I have the opportunity to represent our community in a variety of ways. Before joining the Indiana General Assembly, I worked to keep our community safe as a police officer at the Hartford City Police Department, before eventually becoming the Blackford County Chief Deputy Sheriff and then elected the Blackford County Sheriff. Since being elected to the House of Representatives, I have been able to utilize my experience in local government to ensure both local and state government works for Hoosiers.    

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 15, 2016) — Two local farms were recognized on Friday with Hoosier Homestead awards for 100 years or more of family farm ownership, according to State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City).

The Langdon Farm, located in Blackford County, has been in operation since 1865 and received the Hoosier Homestead Sesquicentennial Award. The Stevens-Apple Farm, located in Grant County, has been in operation since 1901 and received the Hoosier Homestead Centennial Award.

Each year, the Indiana House of Representatives offers full-time, paid internships to current college and graduate students, recent graduates and law-school students. If this is you, and you are interested in expanding your professional skills and learning more about Indiana’s government, I encourage you to apply to be a session intern. 

STATEHOUSE (June 23, 2016) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) will be serving as chair of the Interim Study Committee on Government.

Congratulations, Class of 2016! All of your hard work has finally paid off, and you are finally a high school graduate. As the father of a 2016 graduate myself, I know how proud your families and friends are of you. With all the celebrations, it’s important to remember to thank the people in your life that helped you get to this point. With graduation and high school now behind you, you have one important decision to make: What’s next? 

As a father, there is nothing I love more than my three sons. Throughout my time in the state legislature, I have heard tragic stories from parents who have experienced the worst tragedy: losing a child. In order to better protect our most vulnerable Hoosiers, lawmakers passed several measures to improve the safety of children. They have now been enacted into law.

STATEHOUSE (March 28, 2016) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) congratulates the following farms for their designation as Hoosier Homestead Award recipients and more than 100 years of family farm ownership: 

• The Maddox Farm, located in Blackford County, has been in operation since 1902 and received the centennial award; and
• The Maddox Farm, located in Wells County, has been in operation since 1845 and received the sesquicentennial award. 

STATEHOUSE (March 18, 2016) — State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse:

• Shanda Miller, from Montpelier, attends Southern Wells Junior/Senior High School; and
• Isaac Stults, from Montpelier, attends Southern Wells Junior/Senior High School.

It’s hard to believe the 2016 legislative session is over. This was a very fast-paced session, filled with many legislative accomplishments. This year, House Republicans focused on moving Indiana forward by funding Indiana’s infrastructure needs and curbing illegal drug use. I am proud to say that we accomplished both of these goals. 

As a member of the House Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs and, most important, as a parent, protecting Hoosier children is one of my top priorities. This session, lawmakers have made great strides in addressing problems children are facing today both in the classroom and at home. 

STATEHOUSE (March 1, 2016) – The Indiana Senate passed 49-1 House Bill (HB) 1019 that would create guidelines for law enforcement agencies choosing to incorporate body cameras and other recording technology into their departments.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 29, 2016) – The Indiana House of Representatives passed legislation 97-0 that would equip educators with technology to alert local law enforcement of an emergency.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 24, 2016) — “I am pleased to see House Bill 1019 advance out of committee and to the full Senate. Despite some misperceptions, this bill would allow those depicted in the video or their family to view footage recorded by body cameras and other recording devices,” Mahan said. “Through the efforts of numerous stakeholders, I am confident that this legislation adequately addresses transparency for the public while protecting the privacy rights of those involved in law enforcement recordings.”

Over the past few years, Indiana has experienced a worsening drug epidemic. These statistics are stark: For the third year in a row, our state has led the nation in methamphetamine lab incidents. The Indiana State Police have reported a 126 percent increase in heroin cases since 2010. Due to this drug crisis, the Department of Corrections has seen an uptick in offender recidivism, a person’s relapse into criminal behavior. House Republicans are committed to curbing illegal drug use and trafficking, and I was proud to support legislation that will make Hoosier communities safer. 

We are half way through the 2016 Legislative Session, and bills have reached the crossover point. This means the House of Representatives will now be hearing Senate bills, while the Senate will consider our bills. We have passed 116 bills out of the House, and 151 bills passed out of the Senate. The legislative process strives to ensure the best public policies are vetted and voted through. Already, three of my bills have progressed to the Senate. In addition to my legislation, the House has been busy hearing a variety of bills this week, which could impact Hoosiers at the local level if passed. 

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 26, 2016) – The Indiana House of Representative passed legislation with a vote of 65-30, that creates guidelines for law enforcement agencies that incorporate body cameras and other technology.

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 25, 2016)—State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) will host two town hall meetings on Saturday, Jan. 30. 

This session, one of my main priorities is providing protection for our police officers and those they serve. One particular piece of legislation, House Bill (HB) 1019, creates guidelines for the use of body cameras and other technology in law enforcement agencies. Through the Interim Study Committee on Government that met last summer, and from talking to different groups and organizations, I have learned a lot about body cameras and their impact on local communities. My goal is to implement this new technology in a manner that emphasizes the rights of transparency for the public while maintaining privacy rights. 

INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 19, 2016) – State Rep. Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) paired his sneakers with his suit today at the Statehouse to help raise cancer awareness. 

It’s hard to believe that my fellow legislators and I are back at the Statehouse, and the first week of the 2016 session is over already. I wanted to share with you our upcoming priorities, but also put them in the context of our recent accomplishments. This session I intend to focus on road funding and education. 

The government plays a pivotal role in our everyday lives. As a citizen, your voice, thoughts and opinions matter. It is important for citizens of all ages to be involved in their government, whether it be at the city, county, state or federal level. Your elected representatives take your thoughts and opinions very seriously, and utilizes them to make informed decisions that best represent their constituents. One voice that we don’t hear from often enough are young adults. 

Dear friend,

Today marks Veterans Day and an opportunity to thank our military members – both past and present – for their service to our nation.

It’s important we stand up for our men and women in uniform, and their families who have sacrificed so much in the name of freedom. We are blessed to live in a country where our rights are guaranteed and power belongs to the people.

Dear friend,

Indiana's jobs climate continues to attract the national spotlight.

In fact, Forbes just listed Indiana as the eighth best state in the nation for business. The magazine compared states' business costs, regulatory environment, economic climate, growth prospects and quality of life. Indiana was also ranked second for its regulatory environment and sixth for quality of life. 

Throughout my time as a state representative and as a leader in our community, I have witnessed the struggles many of our veterans have faced in regards to their health and employment. In turn, I have worked to provide these men and women access to the resources they need and deserve. 

For students or recent graduates interested in state government, I encourage you to apply for the Indiana House Republican Internship program. This invaluable opportunity allows students to become immersed in the legislative process and observe how our government operates during the 2016 legislative session, which runs January through March.

After the heavy rainfall we experienced earlier this summer, many in our community are in need of help to fix damages to homes, businesses and other property. In order to help those affected, Blackford, Delaware, Grant and Wells counties are among those now eligible for low interest disaster loans. 

As your representative, it is my duty to make sure your voice is represented at the state level, and there are several ways I am able to do this. One of the more obvious is by voting for bills that benefit our community during the legislative session. However, since lawmakers only meet at the Statehouse for a few months out of the year, that is only a small portion of what I do. In fact, a majority of my work takes place during the summer months when we begin to research, fact-check and collaborate on potential legislation for next year by serving on interim study committees.  

STATEHOUSE — State Representative Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) presented local Superintendent Steve Hall with the Sagamore of the Wabash award in recognition of his strong commitment to education and community service.