Don Lehe

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 20, 2021) – State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) encourage local college students and recent graduates to apply online for internships at the Indiana Statehouse before the Oct. 31 deadline.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 18, 2021) – State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica) encourage local college students and recent graduates to apply online for internships at the Indiana Statehouse before the Oct. 31 deadline.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 28, 2021) – State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) announced his plan Monday to retire in 2022 after fulfilling his current term as state representative for House District 25.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 21, 2021) – State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica) urge Hoosiers to join the thousands who are already taking advantage of Indiana's Next Level Jobs certificate program to skill up at no cost and obtain a higher-paying job.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 30, 2021) – Longstanding White County family farms recently received Hoosier Homestead awards for being in operation for 100 years or more, according to area lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2021) – Whether studying economics, telecommunications or history, local college students and recent graduates can gain valuable hands-on work experience by interning with Indiana House Republicans at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, according to Cass County lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2021) – Whether studying economics, telecommunications or history, local college students and recent graduates can gain valuable hands-on work experience by interning with Indiana House Republicans at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 2, 2021) – State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) invite constituents to weigh in on Indiana's redistricting process during upcoming public meetings.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 2, 2021) – State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica) invite constituents to weigh in on Indiana's redistricting process during upcoming public meetings.

STATEHOUSE (July 9, 2021) – State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state laws effective July 1 to expand broadband access, protect religious rights and supporting life.

STATEHOUSE (June 11, 2021) – State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica) encourage working families seeking high-quality early education and out-of-school programs for their children to apply for Build, Learn, Grow scholarships.

STATEHOUSE (May 27, 2021) – Several Twin Lakes Senior High School students preparing to become teachers are among this year's recipients of the state's Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston).

STATEHOUSE (May 19, 2021) – Legislation establishing a state health improvement plan and a $50 million grant program targeting Hoosiers' most critical health challenges is now law, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).  

STATEHOUSE (May 4, 2021) – Indiana recently awarded more than $1.1 million in state matching grants to local communities for road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo). 

STATEHOUSE (May 3, 2021) – Indiana recently awarded more than $1.3 million in state matching grants to Tippecanoe County communities for road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica).

STATEHOUSE (May 3, 2021) – Indiana recently awarded more than $1.1 million in state matching grants to White County and Monticello for road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica).

STATEHOUSE (April 20, 2021) – Legislation to improve civic engagement among young Hoosiers is now law, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica).

STATEHOUSE (April 12, 2021) – Local high school graduates are gaining experience as interns with State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston), Sharon Negele (R-Attica) and their fellow members of the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2021 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (April 1, 2021) – State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) recently honored Delphi native Megan Kelly with a House resolution at the Statehouse for being named an Indianapolis NBA Rising Star All-Star.  

STATEHOUSE (March 16, 2021) – Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) that would strengthen disease-reporting practices in order to better protect livestock and the health of Hoosiers could soon be law.

STATEHOUSE (March 12, 2021) – A longstanding White County farm was recently presented a Hoosier Homestead award for being in operation for 100 years, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica).

STATEHOUSE (March 8, 2021) — With the pandemic continuing to take a toll on mental health, State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica) encourage Hoosiers to turn to Indiana's Be Well Crisis Helpline, a free and confidential resource already helping thousands of people across the state.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 19, 2021) – Some apprenticeship programs are now considered qualified expenses for funds saved through the CollegeChoice 529 Savings Plan, according to State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston).

 STATEHOUSE (Feb. 4, 2021) – A bill establishing a new public health grant program took a step forward Monday with the support of the House Public Health Committee, according to State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston).

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 22, 2021) —Indiana Grown recently launched the Shop Indiana Grown online marketplace connecting Hoosiers directly to local vendors and products, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica).

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 15, 2021) – Indiana residents age 70 and older are now eligible to register for a free COVID-19 vaccine, according to State Reps. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) and Don Lehe (R-Brookston).

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 18, 2020) – State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) was recently reappointed to serve as chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 17, 2020) – Local communities recently received more than $193,000 in state matching grants for road and bridge improvements, according to Cass County lawmakers.  

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 29, 2020) — State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) encourage Logansport High School seniors and families to attend a workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 4, to learn more about financial aid options for students pursuing college.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 27, 2020) – State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) said time is running out for local students to apply for a paid internship with the Indiana House of Representatives in Indianapolis.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 16, 2020) – Hoosiers can vote absentee-in-person at several locations through Nov. 2, according to State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston).

STATEHOUSE (Oct. XX, 2020) – State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) encourages local and small meat-processing agribusinesses directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic to apply for a new grant to help offset costs.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 1, 2020) – State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) encourages 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. 24, 2020) – State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) encourages 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. 17, 2020) – Tippecanoe County recently received a $250,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to help small businesses, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica).

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 16, 2020) – State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica) said the city of Monticello recently received a $250,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to help small businesses.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 10, 2020) — Several Clinton County projects expanding fast and reliable internet to unserved homes and businesses can now move forward thanks to more than $2.9 million in state broadband grants, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 3, 2020) – North White School Corp. recently received $24,000 to invest in remote learning equipment and internet connectivity, according to State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston).

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 27, 2020) – This new school year, State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) said there are opportunities for high school juniors and seniors to tutor young students in order to fulfill graduation requirements.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 17, 2020) – State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica) 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 (Aug. 7, 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 (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 Cass County lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (July 14, 2020) – With many new laws effective this month, Cass County lawmakers said several important changes support Hoosier teachers, farmers and public safety officers.

STATEHOUSE (July 8, 2020) – With many new laws effective this month, State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica) said several important changes support Hoosier teachers, farmers, assault survivors and patients.

STATEHOUSE (July 2, 2020) – Hoosiers can no longer hold handheld cell phones or other electronic devices while driving unless calling 911, according to State Reps. Sharon Negele (R-Attica) and Don Lehe (R-Brookston).

STATEHOUSE (June 24, 2020) – Coronavirus testing is now offered to all Hoosiers at OptumServe sites throughout the state, regardless of whether they are at high risk or symptomatic, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica).

STATEHOUSE (June 22, 2020) – As Indiana continues to get back on track, State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) said the state is dedicating nearly $44 million in federal funds to help small businesses and manufacturers impacted by COVID-19.

STATEHOUSE (June 11, 2020) – State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) 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 (May 28, 2020) – Carroll County and local communities are eligible for $854,924 to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (May 28, 2020) – Clinton County and local communities are eligible for more than $1.7 million to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (May 28, 2020) – Cass County and local communities are eligible for more than $1.9 million to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to area lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (May 12, 2020) – Tippecanoe County lawmakers urge Hoosiers to be vigilant in protecting themselves against scams, which are surging during the public health pandemic.

STATEHOUSE (May 12, 2020) – Local small businesses and nonprofits can now utilize the state's new online marketplace to request personal protective equipment, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

Area students pursuing a career in education recently received the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica).

STATEHOUSE (April 9, 2020) – With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and Sharon Negele (R-Attica) said there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home.  

STATEHOUSE (April 9, 2020) – With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) said there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home.  

STATEHOUSE (April 2, 2020) – Cass County lawmakers encourage Hoosier workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to access recently expanded state and federal resources for help.

STATEHOUSE (April 1, 2020) – State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) encourages Hoosier workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to access recently expanded state and federal resources for help.

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 1, 2019) – Each year on Nov. 11, Americans pause to honor the brave men and women who risked their lives to serve and protect our incredible country. This Veterans Day, let’s reflect on the sacrifices made by these courageous heroes and all they do to keep us free.  

Each year, House Republicans invite college students and recent graduates across the state to participate in our internship program. Applications recently opened up for the 2020 legislative session, which takes place during the spring semester. This paid internship is a fantastic opportunity for young Hoosiers to learn more about our state government, expand their skillsets and build professional relationships.

The 2019 legislative session has come to a close, with all legislation making it through the process now signed into law by the governor. Legislators worked hard on important policies on behalf of Indiana’s rural communities, including new laws allowing industrial hemp to be grown and expanding broadband to unserved regions of the state.

STATEHOUSE (March 26, 2019) – Two Carroll County family farms were recently recognized at the Statehouse for being in operation for more than 100 years, according to local legislators.

The Carnell-Brown-Stone Farm, located in Camden and in operation since 1836, received a Hoosier Homestead Sesquicentennial Award. The Childers Farm, located in Delphi and in operation since 1919, received a Hoosier Homestead Centennial Award.

The 2019 legislative session reached its halfway point this week. Senate bills now move over to the House for consideration, and House bills crossover to the Senate. House Republicans have made significant headway on our priorities, including passing an honestly balanced budget. The two-year state budget proposal includes significant funding increases for education and school safety.

The 2019 legislative session kicked-off earlier this month, and lawmakers are already working to address issues affecting Hoosiers across the state. This session, our top priorities include maintaining a balanced state budget, increasing protections for young Hoosiers, strengthening our commitment to teachers and students, promoting workforce initiatives, and supporting Indiana veterans. As I represent you and your family at the Statehouse, your feedback on these issues and others will be extremely helpful. There are many ways we can stay connected throughout the legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 19, 2018) – Local lawmakers encourage students who want to learn more about state government to participate in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2019 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 25, 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 (Oct. 3, 2018) – Area lawmakers urge current high school seniors planning to pursue a degree in education to apply for the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2018) — Family farms from Cass County in operation for 100 years or more were recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair, according to local legislators.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 2, 2018) – Indiana House Republicans are now accepting internship applications for the 2019 legislative session, which begins in January, according to State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston).

STATEHOUSE (July 31, 2018) – State Reps. Don Lehe (R-Brookston), Sharon Negele (R-Attica) and Sally Siegrist (R-West Lafayette) invite local college students and recent graduates to apply for an internship with the House of Representatives for the 2019 legislative session, which begins in January.

STATEHOUSE (June 22, 2018) — Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch presented a Golden Hoosier Award to Wilmer Schock of Delphi at the Statehouse Thursday for his service and commitment to the community, according to State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) and State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston).

STATEHOUSE (June 20, 2018) — State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) was recently selected to chair the Interim Study Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

STATEHOUSE (May 3, 2018) — Local students in planning to pursue a career in education were selected to receive the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston).

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 26, 2018) — A Twin Lakes High School graduate is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) and his fellow members of the House of Representatives during the 2018 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 23, 2018) — State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 19, 2018) — State Rep. Don Lehe (R-Brookston) today honored the National FFA Organization during a special page day at the Statehouse.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 13, 2018) — State Reps. Bill Friend (R-Macy) and Don Lehe (R-Brookston) honored the Pioneer Junior-Senior High School football team on Monday at the Statehouse for winning the Indiana High School Athletic Association Class A state championship.

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. Don Lehe (R-Brookston).

Industrial hemp has increasingly become a topic of conversation due to the possible economic, agricultural and medical benefits it could have for Hoosiers. While industrial hemp comes from the same cannabis plant as marijuana, they are very different crops. Simply put, industrial hemp is not marijuana. In fact, industrial hemp is comprised of less than 0.3 percent tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical in marijuana that causes psychotropic effects. I often use the analogy of a Great Dane and a Chihuahua: both animals are dogs, but have completely different purposes.

I recently read a column about nonbinding review that was very misleading. To provide some background, in 2008, we passed legislation that requires a county council to conduct a nonbinding review of the budgets and tax levies submitted by municipalities within the county. I voted for this legislation because I believe your property tax dollars are too important to allow spending to go unchecked without a system of accountability in place. 

Being a farmer is not just an occupation; it’s a lifestyle. Regardless of our various day-to-day routines, each farmer dedicates an abundance of their time to working in the field, following weather patterns, caring for livestock and much more. Accordingly, the Indiana State Fair has decided to celebrate by making this year’s theme the, “Year of the Farmer.”

A major focus of the 2015 legislative session was improving education. As a parent and former teacher, I have seen the positive impact a quality education can have on a student and recognize the importance of having adequate resources, particularly in our rural schools. As another legislative session began, it was my goal to further support our local students, teachers and parents by creating a more conducive atmosphere for learning. Through a historic investment in education and the removal of burdensome regulations on teachers and schools, I am confident that our education system will be better equipped to prepare students for their futures. 

The end of the 2015 legislative session has finally arrived. The Indiana General Assembly has been hard at work these past four months crafting, debating and voting on legislation of all topics. This session was a long session, providing enough time to create and enact the state’s biennial budget. Within the budget we worked to fund education, create a grant program to reduce Indiana’s infant mortality rate (IMR) and combat public safety issues by providing criminal justice resources for local governments. I am pleased to share with you these accomplishments of this year’s session. 

Throughout session, I have mentioned several bills that have been debated at the Statehouse. One bill that I have not had a chance to discuss is House Bill (HB) 1019, which repeals the Common Construction Wage (CCW). I supported this legislation, and by allowing the free market to work, Indiana taxpayers could stand to save between 10 and 20 percent on public works projects.

The month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), and I would like to discuss what the General Assembly is doing to combat domestic violence and sexual assault and different resources for those in need. For fifteen years, SAAM has been sponsored by The National Sexual Violence Resource Center, an organization that provides resources and support. 

With the end of session quickly approaching, I wanted to take time to share with you what the next few weeks will be like at the Statehouse. The last day we have to complete our work is April 29, also known as Sine Die. Until the clock runs out, the House will work diligently through the remaining Senate bills while the Senate does the same with House bills.

The Indiana General Assembly is on the home stretch for the 2015 legislative session. While the first half of session is devoted to House bills, for me, the second half is dedicated to hearing bill from the Senate. I would like to take this opportunity to discuss the Senate bills I am sponsoring.

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Don Lehe (R-Brookston) sponsored legislation to make Indiana’s livestock industry more competitive. Senate Bill (SB) 249 would require the Purdue Extension and Purdue University College of Agriculture to study the impact that local land use ordinances have on structures used in the housing, feeding and breeding of livestock. The bill passed with an 89-2 vote out of the House.

Over the past few weeks, I have received numerous questions about Indiana’s two year budget, particularly the aspect of education funding. I would like to take this opportunity discuss the budget we passed out of the House and how it works to improve Indiana’s education system for students, teachers and parents alike. 

As an Indiana farmer, I know the sacrifices that are made each day by members of our agricultural community. They work tirelessly and dedicate so much to support Indiana agriculture, which is essential to the Hoosier economy. Farming has always been a large contributing factor to economic growth in our state, and as a state leader, I am proud to continue my work this session to strengthen Hoosier agribusiness as well as recognize some of our local farmers that have made significant contributions to this industry. 

The month of March is dedicated to bringing awareness and promoting independence, inclusion and integration of people who have disabilities in Indiana, known as Disability Awareness Month. The theme this year is “Love Where You Live.” For the past 25 years, Hoosier communities have hosted events to help raise awareness and understanding of disability issues. Over the next few weeks there are several ways to get involved, and I encourage you to take an active role to support and embrace those with disabilities this year.

The legislative session is flying by, and it is hard to believe that we are already at the halfway point. This past week was the Third Reading deadline which is the final day my colleagues and I were able to discuss, debate and pass bills out of the House. At this point, we have thoroughly vetted and passed close to 200 bills that will now go to the Senate for further discussion.  

One of the most rewarding parts of being a state representative is knowing that I can help people and make a difference in our community. I can accomplish this by authoring legislation, speaking in support of bills and working to protect all Hoosiers by serving on committees, like Public Health. This committee allows me to focus on improving the well-being of Hoosiers and protecting Indiana’s most vulnerable. Working toward this goal, I am pleased to share with you some of the legislation making its way through the legislative process that protects and values life.

Indiana is a leader in many areas, especially agriculture. As a state representative, I am always looking for ways to improve our community and continue moving this industry forward, which was my goal by authoring House Bill (HB) 1181. 

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Don Lehe (R-Bookston) has authored a bill to benefit Hoosier farmers and agribusinesses. House Bill (HB) 1549 would raise the cap on the Grain Indemnity Fund allowing farmers’ crops to have additional coverage. The bill passed unanimously out of the House. 

Most of my time at the Statehouse is dedicated to reviewing, debating and discussing legislation. However, during session, the opportunity also exists for legislators to author a resolution as a way of recognizing the accomplishments of an individual or group that has made a significant impact in Indiana. This is done at the start of session and is a great way for members to showcase the accomplishments of those around the state.

While listening to the governor give his State of the State Address, it was clear that his vision for Indiana aligns with the priorities of the House Republicans. The governor hit on many of the major issues that we plan to tackle during this legislative session including passing an honestly balanced budget, strengthening education and working to protect our most vulnerable Hoosiers from infant mortality. Additionally, we are striving to increase government transparency and safeguard the public trust along with focusing additional resources on victims of domestic violence. 

With a new legislative session officially underway, many issues will be addressed, legislation considered, that impact Hoosier communities.

So far this year, farmers have been having a great growing season. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) crop production reports estimate increased crop production for the entire country. The recent data estimates corn production to hit 1.05 billion bushels and a corn yield of 179 bushels per acre, which would be the highest yield in history.