Contact Information
Legislative Assistant: Emily Skooglund
Phone: 317-232-9651 | 1-800-382-9841
Press Contact
It is an honor to serve and represent the people of House District 53. It is my goal to work with my constituents to preserve our agricultural prominence and strong Hoosier values. My website has been designed to give you more information on our district, to aid you in navigating state government, and to keep you informed on the issues I am working on at the Statehouse. Please feel free to contact me with any issues, concerns or comments.
Sincerely,
Bob Cherry
State Representative
House District 53
STATE REP. BOB CHERRY
Indiana House of Representatives: 1998-Present
House District 53: Portions of Hancock and Madison Counties
Address: 3118 E 100 S, Greenfield, IN 46140
Telephone:
Toll-free Statehouse: (800) 382-9841
Direct line: (317) 232-9651
Committees:
Occupation: Retired
Education: B.S., Purdue University
Community Activities:
State Representative Bob Cherry has had the opportunity to serve the State of Indiana in many ways since elected as state representative for House District 53. He became a member of the General Assembly in 1998 after developing an interest in public policy and a desire to represent the people of District 53.
During the 2013 legislative session, Cherry co-sponsored Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 319, which prevented an estimated tax increase of $57 million for farmland across the state. To the relief of countless Hoosiers, the soil productivity factors used for the March 2011 assessment of agricultural land remained in place for property taxes payable in 2014.
As the Budget Subcommittee Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Cherry was involved in creating and passing the state budget in 2013. Without overspending, the budget increased K-12 education funding by $390 million over the biennium and allotted $215 million per year for roads and bridges. The budget also contained a blend of tax relief including the immediate elimination of the Death Tax, reduction of the Financial Institutions tax, continued corporate income tax reduction and phased in income tax cut of 5%. In addition to the state budget, Cherry also supported measures that brought tax incentives to businesses looking to locate in Indiana as a way to grow the Hoosier economy.
Cherry remains equally as involved in his local community in Hancock and Madison counties. He previously served as a Hancock County Councilman and as a member of both the Hancock County Planning Commission and Greenfield Board of Zoning Appeals. He was appointed by the governor to the State Board of Tax Commissioners and is the former Chair of the Agricultural Advisory Council. He is a member of the Elks, Kiwanis Club, Masonic Lodge, Murat Shrine and Farm Bureau. In August of 2007, Cherry received a 33rd Degree in Scottish Rite.
He has received numerous “Legislator of the Year” awards from various organizations, including the Credit Union, Small Businesses and the Conservation Officers. Cherry was also the recipient of the outstanding Purdue Alumni in Animal Science in 2007. He received his B.S. from Purdue University and remains involved in Boilermaker activities.
Cherry and his wife Deborah have five grown children: Keegan, Kevin, Kathee, Stephanie and Jared. They also have 14 grandchildren. Cherry is a member of the Willow Branch United Methodist Church. He and Deb live and work on their family farm near Greenfield.
House District 53 includes large portions of Hancock and Madison counties in central Indiana.
State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) encourages Hoosier workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to access recently expanded state and federal resources for help.
According to the United States Census Bureau, more than 8 percent of Hoosiers went without health insurance in 2018. Many people get health insurance through their employer or a group plan. Farmers, are often small-business owners without employees and generally have expensive and limited health care options. This session, I supported legislation allowing the Indiana Farm Bureau to provide health benefits to its members and their families.
Indiana has the seventh-highest adult smoking rate in the country. Hoosier youth are joining in too, as the popularity of e-cigarette products rises despite potential harmful health risks. This session, I co-authored legislation aiming to decrease Indiana’s smoking and vaping rates.
With nearly nine American’s killed each day due to distracted driving, steps need to be taken to make roadways safer. While state law currently prohibits texting while driving, it is difficult to enforce as people use their cell phones for more than just texting. This session, state lawmakers are taking a stand against distracted driving to help keep Hoosiers safe.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Reps. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) (left) and Tony Cook (R-Cicero) (right) pair sneakers with their suits to help kick off February as National Cancer Prevention Month on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, at the Statehouse.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) pairs his sneakers with his suit to help kick off February as National Cancer Prevention Month on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, at the Statehouse.
Across the nation, thousands of high school seniors graduate a semester early. Hoosiers are no exception when it comes to students taking advantage of the opportunities early graduation has to offer. This session, I am working on legislation to support schools so they can promote early graduation without being negatively impacted.
We all know a brave friend, community or family member who has fought for our country. We owe so much to these upstanding, honorable people who chose to risk their lives to keep us safe. Each of our many Hoosier veterans deserve our respect and support for all they have done for us here in Indiana and for our country.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 13, 2020) – State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) encourages Hoosier students interested in state government to participate in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2020 legislative session.
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 7, 2019) —Legislation authored by State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) and sponsored by State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) providing tax relief to many Hoosier veterans was ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb Monday at the Indiana State Fair.
STATEHOUSE (June 28, 2019) — State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) was recently selected to serve on the State Budget Committee and the Interim Study Committee on Fiscal Policy.
STATEHOUSE (June 25, 2019) – State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) was recently identified as a pro-economy, pro-jobs legislator in the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Vote Analysis.
STATEHOUSE (May 15, 2019) – State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) recently welcomed local student pages to the Statehouse.
STATEHOUSE (May 8, 2019) — Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed into law State Rep. Bob Cherry’s (R-Greenfield) legislation providing tax relief to many Hoosier veterans.
The first law enacted by the Indiana General Assembly this legislative session will help save the lives of Hoosier babies. Senate Enrolled Act 41, which I co-sponsored, will expand the number of newborn screenings to identify more genetic diseases and conditions earlier, so that babies can have a better chance of survival.
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.
STATEHOUSE (April 12, 2019) – State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) recently welcomed local student pages to the Statehouse.
STATEHOUSE (April 10, 2019) — State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) at the Statehouse recently honored Indiana State Trooper Roy Edmond Jones who was killed in a crash when responding to a call while on duty July 3, 1979, near U.S. 36 in Pendleton.
STATEHOUSE (April 2, 2019) — A New Palestine High School graduate is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) and his fellow members of the House of Representatives during the 2019 legislative session.
More than 900,000 people struggle with hunger in Indiana. The Salvation Army assists underserved people with a wide spectrum of resources like food drives, emergency responses and even emotional and spiritual support. With nearly 17.4 million American families going to bed without food each evening, the Salvation Army also helps combat hunger by providing nearly 156,000 nutritious meals each day to anyone in need.
The 2019 legislative session crossed the halfway point, with 201 House bills and 218 Senate bills passing out of their original chambers. The House is considering Senate proposals, and the Senate is considering House proposals. Among those moving through the legislative process are two bills I support to help keep our kids safe.
STATEHOUSE (March 6, 2019) — Local Lawmakers honored members of the New Palestine High School football team and girls’ softball team at the Statehouse.
The Indiana General Assembly reached the halfway point of the 2019 legislative session, with 201 House bills and 218 Senate bills passing out of their original chambers. The House will now consider the Senate’s proposals, and the Senate will consider the House’s proposals. House Republicans made headway on key issues to improve school safety, create career ladders for Hoosier teachers and increase tax exemptions for veterans.
PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) pairs sneakers with his suit to draw attention to National Cancer Prevention Month Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Each year, the Indiana House of Representatives participates in the Suits and Sneakers challenge, an annual event hosted by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. According to the American Cancer Society, in the last 25 years, the cancer death rate in the U.S. has fallen by 27 percent.
Ensuring students have a safe place to learn and grow is vital. While Indiana is a national leader in school safety, there is more that can be done to protect Hoosier students, teachers and staff. This legislative session, I am supporting proposals for new laws further strengthening school safety.
Oftentimes, when an educator leaves the teaching profession within the first five years, it is due to lack of support in the classroom. To reverse this trend, lawmakers are working to provide more resources to students preparing to enter the teaching profession, and pairing new teachers with veteran educators.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 30, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted in support of State Rep. Bob Cherry’s (R-Greenfield) legislation that would provide tax relief to many of Indiana’s veterans.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 23, 2019) – The House Committee on Ways and Means today voted to advance State Rep. Bob Cherry’s (R-Greenfield) legislation that would provide tax relief to many Hoosier veterans.
This session, House Republicans are continuing their strong commitment to supporting our Hoosier veterans and putting their skills to use. Thousands of Indiana veterans risked their lives to ensure the safety of our state and nation, and I will continue seeking out new ways to support them and their families.
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 20, 2018) – State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) encourages students who want to learn more about state government to participate in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2019 legislative session.
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 11, 2018) — State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) was recently reappointed as vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2018) — The James Steven Doty Farm was recognized Friday at the Indiana State Fair for being in operation for 150 years, according to State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) and State Sen. Doug Eckerty (R-Yorktown).
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. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield).
STATEHOUSE (June 25, 2018) — Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch presented a Golden Hoosier Award to Susan Louise Billings of Greenfield at the Statehouse Thursday for her service and commitment to the community, according to State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) and State Sen. Michael Crider (R-Greenfield).
STATEHOUSE (June 20, 2018) — State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) was recently selected to serve on the Interim Study Committee on Fiscal Policy and the Interim Study Committee on Government.
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 7, 2017) — Greenfield-Central High School and New Palestine High School were among 130 schools honored during Monday’s Indiana Dual Credit Recognition Ceremony at the Statehouse, according to State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield).
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 31, 2017) – Eden Elementary School was among seven schools honored Monday by the Indiana Department of Education for receiving a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School Award, according to State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield).
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 19, 2017) – Applications to intern with the Indiana House Republicans during the 2018 legislative session are due Oct. 31, according to State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield).
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 13, 2017) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded two local communities grants to make infrastructure improvements, according to State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield).
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 25, 2017) — “The additional funds from the Community Crossings grant will go a long way in maintaining our local roads and completing many critical highway projects. Reliable roads and bridges, along with culverts and other similar structures, provide safe avenues for Hoosiers and out-of-state visitors to travel throughout Indiana. With every sector of our economy impacted by our roadways, it is vital that we continue to invest in infrastructure projects at every level.”
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 21, 2017) — Local communities will receive state matching grants to improve roads and bridges, according to State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield).
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 6, 2017) – State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) joined lawmakers during an Interim Study Committee on Government meeting Wednesday to discuss possible solutions to eliminate food deserts.
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 18, 2017) – Hoosier job seekers now have access to new resources to find better-paying jobs thanks to the recently launched Next Level Jobs initiative, according to State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield).
STATEHOUSE (July 31, 2017) — “These local road improvements are just the start of our commitment to keeping Hoosier roadways safe and functional. With the Community Crossings Program now in its second year and the newly created Next Level Roads plan underway, our community can expect to see even more infrastructure projects that will boost our local and state economies.”
STATEHOUSE (July 14, 2017) — “It’s encouraging to see this investment of more than $64 million in our roadways does not create debt or place the financial burden on future generations. Over the next five years, our communities will see more than 200 miles of road lanes resurfaced and nearly 40 bridges rehabilitated or replaced. In order to maintain our reputation as the Crossroads of America, we need to remain focused on supporting our transportation infrastructure.”
STATEHOUSE (July 6, 2017) — State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) was recently named to four summer study committees, which examine assigned topics, gather testimonies and recommend potential legislation.
STATEHOUSE (June 12, 2017) — Madison County is now eligible to participate in On My Way Pre-K, an early education pilot program established in 2014, according to State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield).
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. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield).
We recently concluded all business for this legislative session and adjourned Sine Die. The House of Representatives started the session with 681 bills filed and ended with 127 House Enrolled Acts. Two of the biggest bills this session were the state’s biennial budget and our long-term road funding plan. Both were discussed up until the final minutes of the legislative session.
STATEHOUSE (April 27, 2017) — “This is a budget that Indiana can be proud of. We maintained a balanced budget that ensures our state continues to live within its means – just as hardworking Hoosiers do every day. While funding our priorities, like education and public safety, we maintained our crucial reserves to protect taxpayers in the event of an economic downturn.”
STATEHOUSE (April 26, 2017) — State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse.
At the Statehouse, the 2017 session is quickly coming to a close. All of the proposed legislation still under consideration is nearing the end of the process. There is a long procedure for a bill to become a law to ensure that only fully vetted bills are enacted.
Lately, our great state has been receiving a large amount of positive recognition. Indiana’s government, business climate, unemployment rate and personal income growth are all factors propelling Hoosiers straight to the top.
STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2017) – State Rep. Bob Cherry’s (R-Greenfield) bill helping local RV dealers attract out-of-state consumers could soon be law.
The Indiana House of Representatives crafted and approved a proposal for the state’s next biennial budget, which is now being considered by the Senate. The budget appropriates funds to various services like K-12 and higher education, public safety and Medicaid. As vice chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, I worked with fellow lawmakers to help draft a fair and balanced budget.
We have officially reached the halfway point of this legislative session. This means that it’s time for the bills to switch chambers. The bills that have been voted on and passed by the House of Representatives are now being sent to the Senate, and Senate bills can now be considered by the House.
STATEHOUSE (March 1, 2017) — State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse:
Children who receive a high-quality early childhood education oftentimes see a number of positive benefits related to their education and careers. Research shows that they are more likely to graduate high school and will have higher wage-earning potential. Additionally, these children are less likely to need remediation and less likely to be incarcerated in their lifetime.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 16, 2017) – A local graduate is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) and his fellow members of the House of Representatives during the 2017 legislative session.
Indiana needs a long-term, sustainable solution for our transportation infrastructure needs. As vice chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means, I am working with my fellow representatives to build on years of research to create a data-driven plan that best serves Hoosiers.
Last week, Gov. Eric Holcomb gave his first State of the State address. He discussed his main pillars of transformational priorities and our collective goal to take Indiana to the next level. We share many of the same priorities.
The 120th Indiana General Assembly started this past week, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of our community and Hoosiers across the state. As this year’s budget session begins, there are a few issues that have my attention.
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 22, 2016) — State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) joined fellow legislators at the Statehouse today for the Indiana General Assembly’s Organization Day.
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 6, 2016) – Hancock County was recently awarded $1.2 million in federal funding from the Indiana Department of Transportation for a bridge replacement project, according to State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield).
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 29, 2016) — State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) 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 (Aug. 24, 2016) — Local communities received state matching grants this week to improve roads and bridges, according to State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield).
Hoosiers have a lot of traditions. Whether it’s eating pork tenderloin sandwiches the size of your head, producing food for the nation with our great farmlands or growing closer together with our strong family values, Indiana has a lot to be proud of. These traditions, along with many others, are the reason over 6 million people call the Hoosier state home. Our tradition for working hard and striving to be one of the best states in the Midwest is unparalleled. And, it’s getting noticed far and wide, more and more.
STATEHOUSE (March 28, 2016) — State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) congratulates the Justice Farm from Madison County for their designation as a Hoosier Homestead Award recipient and 150 years of family farm ownership.
At the start of the 2016 legislative session, House Republicans set goals that would benefit Hoosiers. Our top priority focused on funding Indiana’s infrastructure needs. Over the past few months, leaders of the General Assembly worked together to find an infrastructure plan that would address our immediate road funding needs. I am confident that the plan we passed will take care of our roads now, while laying the framework for lawmakers to address long-term road funding next year.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 29, 2016) — State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse:
There is a growing drug epidemic in Indiana. Our state’s methamphetamine lab numbers are up. The Indiana State Police have reported a 126 percent increase in heroin cases since 2012. Due to this crisis, the Department of Corrections has seen an uptick in offender recidivism, a person’s relapse into criminal behavior. To make Hoosier communities safer, House Republicans are committed to curbing illegal drug use and trafficking. While I was unable to attend the first half of this session due to medical reasons, I was happy to see my fellow lawmakers support legislation targeting these problems. I am grateful to be back at the Statehouse working with my fellow legislators. We sent many bills to the Senate for consideration dealing with stricter penalties for dealing in large amounts of narcotics, addressing Hoosier addiction disorders and restricting criminal’s access to the key ingredient used to manufacture meth.
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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.
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 16, 2015) – State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) today announced Indiana will pay off its federal unemployment loan early leading to significant savings for Hoosier businesses.
STATEHOUSE — House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) has announced the interim study committee assignments for the Indiana House of Representatives. State Rep. Bob Chery (R-Greenfield) has been selected to serve on three study committees.
When high school graduation approaches, the question of whether to pursue further education lingers in the minds of many students. Throughout this booklet are addresses, phone numbers and websites which may be very helpful in a student’s search for the right school.
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Learn how laws are made in Indiana and where to find important resources like committee calendars, bill proposals and legislative archives.
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This guide contains information on state and federal assistance programs for senior citizens, as well as tax deduction information, identity theft protection and other helpful resources.
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This guide contains information on state and federal programs available for our veterans, along with additional information pertaining to legacy and honor.
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This booklet gives an overview of Indiana's state agencies and includes contact information.
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Did you know that Indiana is the 15th largest state? We are also the second largest producer of popcorn in the country. Indiana has a rich, fascinating history, and this guide contains fun facts and other interesting items related to our Hoosier heritage.
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Color your way through Indiana government in this exciting coloring book!
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