Contact Information
Legislative Assistant: Matthew LoPrete
Phone: 317-232-9833 | 1-800-382-9841
Press Contact
Dear Neighbor,
It is truly an honor to serve in the legislature on behalf of the people in House District 51, which includes most of LaGrange and Steuben counties.
It is my goal to represent the values that are most important to our area. I have had the opportunity to meet and hear from many people in our district. I always appreciate input from constituents on issues and legislation impacting our area, and your feedback helps guide my efforts in the General Assembly.
If you ever have any questions or comments, please get in touch with me by phone or email. Sharing your thoughts will help me better represent you in the General Assembly.
Sincerely,
Denny Zent
State Representative
House District 51
Indiana House of Representatives: 2012-Present
House District 51: Includes most of LaGrange and Steuben counties
Committees:
Occupation: U.S. Army Veteran and Retired Endodontist
State Rep. Denny Zent was elected to the Indiana General Assembly in 2012 and represents House District 51, which includes most of LaGrange and Steuben counties. As a veteran of the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force, Zent is focused on helping Indiana’s men and women in uniform.
Zent brings years of medical experience and expertise to the House of Representatives as a retired endodontist, having spent his career helping Hoosiers.
He is focused on implementing laws to help Hoosiers receive the training and opportunities they need to bridge the skills gap for the jobs of tomorrow. He also hopes to continue the efforts of building a pro-business environment to attract high-quality jobs to Indiana.
Zent and his wife, Wendy, have two children and happily reside in Angola.
Community Involvement:
American Legion
Angola Chamber of Commerce
National Federation of Independent Business
American Dental Association
Indiana Dental Association
Member of VFW
Board of Directors Cameron Hospital
Board Member of Shepherds House (homeless veterans)
House District 51 includes large portions of LaGrange and Steuben counties in Northeast Indiana. To find your House District, click here.
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 20, 2020) – Hoosiers can vote absentee-in-person at several locations across Northeast Indiana until Nov. 2, according to local lawmakers
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 13, 2020) – Northeast Indiana lawmakers encourage local communities to apply for the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program to help fund local road and bridge projects.
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 9, 2019) – "As a veteran, I have a unique understanding and the utmost respect for Medal of Honor recipients. Motorists that travel this 156-mile stretch of Indiana highway will always be reminded of those who have been recognized with our nation's most prestigious military decoration. It's my hope this drives people to discuss, honor and remember the bravery, courage and sacrifices made by these individuals."
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 24, 2020) – Northeast Indiana lawmakers encourage local residents to register to vote or check their registration status before the Oct. 5 deadline using the state's online voter portal at IndianaVoters.com.
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 16, 2020) – Area lawmakers encourage local college students and recent graduates looking to gain valuable work experience to apply online for a paid internship with the Indiana House of Representatives at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 9, 2020) – State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) said LaGrange County and the city of Angola each received a $250,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to help small businesses.
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 28, 2020) – Area lawmakers encourage local arts and cultural organizations that are financially struggling because of the pandemic to apply for new state grants.
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 24, 2020) – With about $570 million in unclaimed property available, area lawmakers say Hoosiers should visit IndianaUnclaimed.gov today to see if money is waiting for them.
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 14, 2020) – Area legislators said new resources are available to help students succeed, especially as COVID-19 complicates the start of the school year.
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 11, 2020) – Area legislators recently announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 3, 2020) – Area lawmakers encourage Hoosier small-business owners and entrepreneurs to apply for a free program that provides direct technical support to help build their online presence.
STATEHOUSE (July 30, 2020) – When students begin school in the coming weeks, a new opportunity to fulfill graduation requirements will be available to high school juniors and seniors to tutor younger students, according to State Reps. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) and Denny Zent (R-Angola).
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 area lawmakers.
STATEHOUSE (July 15, 2020) – With many new laws effective this month, State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) said several important changes support Hoosier teachers, farmers and military families.
"From cutting burdensome red tape for our teachers, schools and military families to expanding much-needed health care access for our Hoosier farmers, many new laws now in effect make positive changes for those who call Indiana home," Zent said. "Over the summer and fall months I will continue to listen to the voices in our district, and I encourage constituents to reach out if they have ideas on how we can make our communities and our state even better."
STATEHOUSE (April 21, 2020) – Northeast Indiana legislators said assistance for a variety of mental health issues is available for Hoosiers struggling to cope with the overwhelming effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
STATEHOUSE (April 14, 2020) – State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse during the 2020 legislative session:
STATEHOUSE (April 9, 2020) – With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, Northeast Indiana legislators said there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home.
STATEHOUSE (April 7, 2020) – State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse during the 2020 legislative session:
STATEHOUSE (April 2, 2020) – Northeast Indiana legislators are encouraging Hoosier workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to access recently expanded state and federal resources for help.
State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) (left) and Indiana Legion Department Commander Allen Connelly (right), of LaGrange, fill a care package to donate to a veteran in need on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at the Indiana Statehouse. According to Zent, a U.S. Army and Air Force veteran, there was a 6% increase in homelessness among Indiana veterans in 2019. To help those who served and raise awareness of this important issue, the Indiana House of Representatives partnered with the American Legion, Department of Indiana to collect more than 7,000 hygiene and food items for care packages. These packages will be distributed to homeless Hoosier veterans across the state.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 11, 2020) – State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) Monday at the Statehouse presented a resolution honoring the Indiana Rangers for their service during the Vietnam War.
According to Zent, Company D of the 151st Infantry Regiment of the Indiana Army National Guard, also known as the Indiana Rangers, was deployed in Vietnam from December of 1968 to November 1969. During their service, the 151st Infantry Regiment received more decorations than any other army infantry company during any one-year period of the Vietnam War.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 27, 2020) – State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) today at the Statehouse presented a resolution urging the Indiana Department of Transportation to rename a section of U.S. 20 as the Indiana Medal of Honor Memorial Highway.
According to Zent, a U.S. Army and Air Force veteran who serves on the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, designating a national Medal of Honor Memorial Highway is a coordinated effort among the 12 states impacted by U.S. 20.
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 11, 2019) – More than $3.8 million in state matching grants will be awarded throughout LaGrange and Steuben counties to accelerate local road and bridge improvements, according to State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 14, 2019) – Area legislators today announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.
STATEHOUSE (July 8, 2019) – A pair of bills authored by State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) providing more support to military veterans and their families were recently ceremonially signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb.
One new law reduces medical obstacles for military families who have children with disabilities.
“The average military family will move six to nine times,” said Zent, a veteran of the U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force. “For families who have a child with disabilities, this can create a serious challenge trying to get the necessary medical care.”
STATEHOUSE (June 27, 2019) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) will serve on two summer study committees, which examine the state’s top issues and recommend potential legislation.
STATEHOUSE (May 3, 2019) – State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse.
STATEHOUSE (April 29, 2019) – Military families who have children with disabilities will have one less obstacle to face in order to receive medical care, thanks to a new law authored by State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
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).
STATEHOUSE (April 1, 2019) — Lonsbury Garage in Angola recently received the Governor’s Half Century Business Award for operating since 1951, according to State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
STATEHOUSE (March 27, 2019) – The Foster-Oliver Farm was recently recognized at the Statehouse for being in operation since 1881, according to State Sen. Sue Glick (R-LaGrange) and State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2019) – Legislation authored by State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) and sponsored by State Sen. Sue Glick (R-LaGrange) that would provide essential care to children with disabilities from military families could soon become law.
STATEHOUSE (March 20, 2019) – State Rep. Denny Zent’s (R-Angola) bill preventing illegal drug users and dealers from turning to veterinarians for prescription painkillers could soon become law.
RAISING AWARENESS: State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) pairs sneakers with his suit to draw attention to National Cancer Prevention Month Tuesday, Feb. 19, at the Statehouse. Each year, the Indiana House of Representatives participates in the Suits and Sneakers challenge, an annual event sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. The event is an effort to highlight ways to reduce the risk of cancer, like eating right, exercising and making healthy lifestyle choices.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 20, 2019) – The House of Representatives supported State Rep. Denny Zent’s (R-Angola) legislation that would provide essential care to children with disabilities from military families.
Photo Caption: State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) (podium) addresses fellow Hoosier veterans during the fifth-annual Indiana Military Veterans Legislative Day on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, at the Statehouse. Zent, a U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force veteran and member of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, encouraged all service members and veterans to remain active in their communities and bring attention to the issues that impact them and their families.
STATEHOUSE (Jan 31, 2019) –The House of Representatives today voted in support of State Rep. Denny Zent’s (R-Angola) bill preventing illegal drug users and dealers from turning to veterinarians for prescriptions.
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 20, 2018) – State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) 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. 10, 2018) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) was recently reappointed to chair of the House Local Government Committee.
Note to the Press – State Reps. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) and Denny Zent (R-Angola) provided the following statements in response to concerns about the Michindoh Aquifer’s water supply. Smaltz reached out to the governor, Indiana’s Congressional delegation and other elected officials to help with this effort.
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2018) — The Robert Thompson Farm was recognized Friday at the Indiana State Fair for being in operation for 133 years, according to State Sen. Susan Glick (R-LaGrange) and State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
STATEHOUSE (July 26, 2018) – Indiana House Republicans are now accepting internship applications for the 2019 legislative session, which begins in January, according to State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
STATEHOUSE (June 20, 2018) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) was recently selected to serve on two summer study committees and on the Indiana Veterans’ Affairs Commission.
STATEHOUSE (May 2, 2018) — Three students in LaGrange and Steuben counties planning to pursue a career in education were selected to receive the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
STATEHOUSE (March 15, 2018) —State Rep. Denny Zent’s (R-Angola) bill extending the Veterans Recovery Pilot Program to provide treatment to veterans with brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder could soon be law.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 22, 2018) — The House of Representatives Tuesday voted in support of legislation sponsored by State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) tasking the Indiana Department of Child Services with creating a “Foster Parent Bill of Rights.”
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2018) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 6, 2018) — The House of Representatives recently voted in support of State Rep. Denny Zent’s (R-Angola) legislation that would extend the Veterans Recovery Pilot Program, in order to continue providing treatment to veterans who are not responding to conventional therapies.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 30, 2018) — The House Committee on Public Health Monday voted in support of State Rep. Denny Zent’s (R-Angola) bill that would extend the Veterans Recovery Pilot Program, which provides treatment to veterans who are not responding to conventional therapies
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 25, 2018) — The House of Representatives advanced legislation co-authored by State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) that would expand Hoosier’s access to dental health care in rural and underserved areas.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 22, 2018) — The House of Representatives today voted in support of State Rep. Denny Zent’s (R-Angola) bill that would streamline certain requirements and qualifications for professional licenses.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 4, 2018) — Applications are open for students interested in participating in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2018 legislative session, according to State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
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. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 28, 2017) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) recently received a public service award from the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention & Prevention for his efforts in sponsoring a new law helping the homeless in Indiana.
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 20, 2017) — Local communities will receive state matching grants to improve roads and bridges, according to State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 15, 2017) – Indiana House Republicans are now accepting internship applications for the 2018 legislative session, according to State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
STATEHOUSE (July 19, 2017) – State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) is asking Hoosier employers to help identify duplicative or redundant state reporting requirements using a new online portal.
STATEHOUSE (July 13, 2017) – “In the next five years, it is estimated LaGrange County will receive more than $13 million and Steuben County will receive more than $32 million to improve local roads and bridges, finish current projects and build for the future. This comprehensive, long-term plan plays a vital role in the growth and development of our state, and I’m looking forward to smoother, safer roadways in our communities.”
STATEHOUSE (July 6, 2017) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) was recently named to three summer study committees, which examine assigned topics, gather testimonies and recommend potential legislation.
STATEHOUSE (June 20, 2017) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) earned a 100 percent on the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Vote Analysis for his support of pro-jobs, pro-economy legislation.
STATEHOUSE (April 25, 2017) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse.
STATEHOUSE (April 4, 2017) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) was recognized today by the Indiana Minority Health Coalition for his efforts in helping stroke patients receive necessary treatment.
STATEHOUSE (March 27, 2017) — State Rep. Denny Zent’s (R-Angola) bill helping military families when relocating to Indiana could soon become law.
Zent said under this proposal, the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency is required to expedite the issuance or renewal of licenses, certificates, registrations or permits to military spouses.
STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2017) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) sponsored a bill that would make sure a foster child is placed more quickly in a permanent home.
STATEHOUSE (March 20, 2017) — The House of Representatives voted in support of a bill sponsored by State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) that would give cities and towns additional tools to help clean up their communities.
STATEHOUSE (March 9, 2017) – State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) teamed up with Habitat for Humanity of Indiana and fellow lawmakers today to formally kick off the General Assembly’s first-ever home build on Statehouse grounds.
STATEHOUSE (March 6, 2017) – The U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Indiana’s government No. 1 on its list of “Best States,” according to State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
STATEHOUSE (March 1, 2017) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 23, 2017) — The House of Representatives today voted in support of State Rep. Denny Zent’s (R-Angola) bill that would help save the lives of patients suffering from strokes.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 21, 2017) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) is urging U.S. Congress to enact legislation that would help veterans receive their GI Bill benefits to become railroad conductors.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 20, 2017) — The House Committee on Public Health today unanimously passed State Rep. Denny Zent’s (R-Angola) bill helping stroke patients receive the treatment they need.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 25, 2017) — The House Committee on Public Health today passed a bill authored by State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) that would establish a veterans’ recovery program to provide treatment for veterans with traumatic brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorders.
Note to the press: Please include the following statement from State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) in your coverage of today’s news of Forest River’s expansion.
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 21, 2016) — Applications are now open for students interested in participating in the Indiana House Page Program, according to State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 19, 2016) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) was recently selected to serve as chair of the House Committee on Local Government.
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 23, 2016) — House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) today named State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) as chair the House Committee on Local Government.
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 22, 2016) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) joined fellow legislators at the Statehouse today for the Indiana General Assembly’s Organization Day.
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 29, 2016) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) 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. 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. Denny Zent (R-Angola).
STATEHOUSE (June 23, 2016) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) will be serving as chair of the Interim Study Committee on Public Safety and Military Affairs.
STATEHOUSE (May 13, 2016) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) earned a perfect score on the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Vote Analysis for his support of pro-economy, pro-jobs legislation.
STATEHOUSE (March 28, 2016) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) congratulates the Talmage families from LaGrange County for their designation as Hoosier Homestead award recipients for 150 years of family farm ownership.
STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2016) — State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse:
STATEHOUSE (March 10, 2016) – State Rep. Denny Zent's (R-Angola) bill protecting foster families in Indiana is headed to the governor’s desk.
STATEHOUSE (Feb 29, 2016) – The Indiana House of Representatives and Senate unanimously supported a bill sponsored by State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) that would direct those who provide birthing services and prenatal care to distribute information about cord blood donation to pregnant Hoosiers.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 24, 2016) — Indiana Senators recently voted in support of State Rep. Denny Zent’s (R-Angola) bill that would provide additional resources to military families.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 22, 2016) —The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously voted today in support of a bill sponsored by State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) that would expedite the issuance or renewal of professional licenses held by military spouses in Indiana.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2016) – The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously voted in support of a bill co-authored by State Rep. Denny Zent (R-Angola) that would classify stolen valor as a Class A misdemeanor.
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