Matt Hostettler

STATEHOUSE (March 10, 2025) – Indiana's Community Crossings Matching Grant Program awarded local communities over $1.6 million in state funding for local road and bridge projects, according to State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 28, 2025) – State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) authored legislation that would appropriate additional funding to the Indiana Department of Transportation for roadside mowing along U.S. 41, from the Vanderburgh County-Gibson County line to the Knox County-Sullivan County line.

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 8, 2024) – Vanderburgh County lawmakers said local communities will soon be on the move with more road and bridge projects with the help of recently released state funding.

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 7, 2024) – State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) said local communities will soon be on the move with more road and bridge projects with the help of recently released state funding.

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 7, 2024) – State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) said local communities will soon be on the move with more road and bridge projects with the help of recently released state funding.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 16, 2024) – Vanderburgh County schools recently received more than $491,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 13, 2024) – Knox County schools received more than $179,800 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 13, 2024) – Gibson County schools recently received more than $342,500 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh).

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 6, 2024) – State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) encourage families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 6, 2024) – State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) encourage families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 5, 2024) – Vanderburgh County lawmakers encourage families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.

STATEHOUSE (July 9, 2024) – State Reps. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) recently received appointments to serve on interim study committees, which will meet throughout the summer and fall to explore policy issues and work together to identify solutions.

STATEHOUSE (July 9, 2024) – Vanderburgh County legislators recently received appointments to serve on interim study committees, which will meet throughout the summer and fall to explore policy issues and work together to identify solutions.

STATEHOUSE (June 27, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Pakota) and Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws taking effect July 1.

STATEHOUSE (June 26, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws taking effect July 1.

STATEHOUSE (June 25, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, local lawmakers want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws taking effect July 1.

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) encourage high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials to apply for a Career Scholarship Account.

A new public notification similar to Indiana's Amber Alert will soon help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans thanks to efforts supported by State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) issued the following statement today in response to Toyota's plan to invest $1.4 billion at its Princeton facility, adding 340 new jobs and bringing Toyota's total investment in Indiana to $8 billion.

STATEHOUSE (April 10, 2024) – Knox County can roll forward with road and bridge projects thanks to $1.5 million in state funding supported by State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville).

STATEHOUSE (April 10, 2024) – Gibson County communities can roll forward with road and bridge projects thanks to a recent boost in state funding supported by State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh).

STATEHOUSE (April 10, 2024) – Vanderburgh County communities can roll forward with road and bridge projects thanks to a recent boost in state funding supported local legislators.

Vanderburgh County native Savannah Strieter is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and his fellow members of the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2024 legislative session.

Legislation providing a 13th check to retired public employees is now one step closer to becoming law after the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved the measure, according to State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

Legislation co-authored by State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) to provide a 13th check to retired public employees is now one step closer to becoming law after the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved it.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 9, 2024) – Vanderburgh County legislators invite Hoosier students to sign up and experience a day serving as a House page at the Indiana Statehouse during the 2024 legislative session.

Knox County lawmakers invite Hoosier students to sign up and experience a day serving as a House page at the Indiana Statehouse during the 2024 legislative session.

With Indiana's lawmakers set to return to the Statehouse on Jan. 8 for the start of the 2024 legislative session, State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) released online surveys to gather constituents' feedback on important issues.

With Indiana's lawmakers set to return to the Statehouse on Jan. 8 for the start of the 2024 legislative session, State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) released online surveys to gather constituents' feedback on important issues.

Significant state funding is in route to Knox County communities to help complete road and bridge projects, according to State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 27, 2023) – Vanderburgh County lawmakers encourage local college students and recent graduates to apply online for an internship at the Indiana Statehouse before the Oct. 31 deadline.

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) encourage Hoosier voters to register or check their voting status by the Oct. 10 deadline.

Several Gibson County schools recently received more than $340,000 through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, according to area lawmakers.

Several Vanderburgh County schools recently received a combined total of more than $622,000 through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program, according to area lawmakers.

Gibson County legislators encourage Hoosier voters to register or check their voting status by the Oct. 10 deadline.

Vanderburgh County legislators encourage Hoosier voters to register or check their voting status by the Oct. 10 deadline.

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) encourage local high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials outside the classroom to apply for the state's newly launched Career Scholarship Account program.

Gibson County lawmakers encourage local high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials outside the classroom to apply for the state's newly launched Career Scholarship Account program.

Vanderburgh County lawmakers encourage local high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials outside the classroom to apply for the state's newly launched Career Scholarship Account program.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 7, 2023) – Local lawmakers are seeking interns to join them at the Statehouse during the 2024 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 7, 2023) – Local lawmakers are seeking interns to join them at the Statehouse during the 2024 legislative session.

Local lawmakers are seeking interns to join them at the Statehouse during the 2024 legislative session.

State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) recently received interim study committee appointments and will take a deep dive into issues facing Hoosiers as they prepare for the next legislative session in January.

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) recently received interim study committee appointments and will take a deep dive into issues facing Hoosiers as they prepare for the next legislative session in January.

STATEHOUSE (July 26, 2023) – Area legislators recently received interim study committee appointments and will take a deep dive into issues facing Hoosiers as they prepare for the next legislative session in January.

New state laws supporting Hoosiers and backed by State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect.

STATEHOUSE (July 7, 2023) – New state laws supporting Hoosiers and backed by local lawmakers during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect.

Hoosier military members are set to receive much-needed tax relief thanks to a new law supported by State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh).

Hoosier military members are set to receive much-needed tax relief thanks to a new law supported by local lawmakers.

Hoosier military members are set to receive much-needed tax relief thanks to a new law supported by State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

Local communities are set to receive over $1.8 million to complete much-needed road projects, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh).

STATEHOUSE (April 13, 2023) – Vanderburgh County and the city of Evansville are set to receive over $1 million to complete much-needed road projects, according to area legislators.

The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced legislation supported by State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) that would expand work-based learning opportunities in high schools around the state.

The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced legislation supported by State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) that would expand work-based learning opportunities in high schools around the state.

STATEHOUSE (March 9, 2023) – Vanderburgh County lawmakers voted to advance a bill to expand work-based learning opportunities in high schools around the state.

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) invite local students to spend a day serving as a House page at the Indiana Statehouse during the 2023 legislative session.

Vanderburgh County lawmakers invite local students to spend a day serving as a House page at the Indiana Statehouse during the 2023 legislative session.

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) recently received appointments to serve on key House standing committees at the Statehouse.

State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) recently received appointments to serve on key House standing committees at the Statehouse.

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 14, 2022) – Area lawmakers recently received appointments to serve on key House standing committees at the Statehouse.

Patoka recently received over $106,000 to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh).

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 8, 2022) – More than $1.6 million is headed to local communities to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to area legislators.

Over $1.3 million is headed to Knox County communities to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) encourage college students and recent graduates to apply for a paid Statehouse internship before the Oct. 31 deadline.

State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) encourages college students and recent graduates to apply for a paid Statehouse internship before the Oct. 31 deadline.

State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) encourage college students and recent graduates to apply for a paid Statehouse internship before the Oct. 31 deadline.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 20, 2022) – Vanderburgh County lawmakers encourage college students and recent graduates to apply for a paid Statehouse internship before the Oct. 31 deadline.

Several Knox County schools recently received more than $183,000 through the state's Secured Schools Safety Grant Program, according to State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) said several schools in Gibson County recently received more than $233,000 through the state's Secured Schools Safety Grant Program.

Several Posey County schools recently received more than $194,000 through the state's Secured Schools Safety Grant Program, according to State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

Vanderburgh County schools recently received more than $554,000 through the state's Secured Schools Safety Grant Program, according to local legislators.

State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) invites local college students and recent graduates of all majors to apply for a paid internship with Indiana House Republicans.

State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) invite local college students and recent graduates of all majors to apply for a paid internship with Indiana House Republicans.

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) invite local college students and recent graduates of all majors to apply for a paid internship with Indiana House Republicans.

Vanderburgh County legislators invite local college students and recent graduates of all majors to apply for a paid internship with Indiana House Republicans.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 12, 2022) — A pair of Vanderburgh County businesses recently received the Governor’s Half-Century and Century Business awards recognizing their longstanding service in the community, according to local legislators.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 18, 2022) – The longstanding Martin Farm in Vanderburgh County recently received Hoosier Homestead Centennial and Sesquicentennial awards for being in operation since 1858, according to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and State Sen. Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville).

STATEHOUSE (July 18, 2022) – In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade, State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) is calling for lawmakers to start the process of amending the state's constitution to end abortion on-demand in Indiana during the upcoming special session, which begins on July 25.

STATEHOUSE (July 12, 2022) – Vanderburgh County lawmakers said Hoosiers should be aware of several new and notable state laws, which are now in effect.

STATEHOUSE (June 24, 2022) – Dubois County lawmakers said they plan to support further protections for the unborn and expanded resources for pregnant women in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade on Friday.

Note to the Press – Area legislators provided the following statements today after Gov. Eric Holcomb announced his plan to call state lawmakers back to the Statehouse for a special session to provide inflation relief to Hoosier taxpayers:

STATEHOUSE (April 21, 2022) – Vanderburgh County will receive $441,087 in state matching grants for road and bridge improvement projects, according to local lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (April 21, 2022) – Local communities will receive more than $1.5 million in state matching grants for road and bridge improvement projects, according to Posey County lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (April 7, 2022) – A letter recently sent to the governor includes the names of local lawmakers who are urging him to call a special session if the U.S. Supreme Court completely or partially overturns Roe v. Wade.

A letter recently sent to the governor includes the names of local lawmakers who are urging him to call a special session if the U.S. Supreme Court completely or partially overturns Roe v. Wade.

A $1 billion tax-relief package supported by State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) is now law.

STATEHOUSE (March 17, 2022) – About 900,000 additional Hoosiers will now qualify for the $125 automatic taxpayer refund this spring under a new law recently signed by the governor, according to local lawmakers.

State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) recently welcomed local students to the Statehouse where they participated in the Indiana House Page Program.

STATEHOUSE (March 10, 2022) – Local lawmakers recently voted in support of passing the largest tax cut in the state's history, sending the $1 billion tax-relief package to the governor where it could soon become law.

STATEHOUSE (March 7, 2022) – A painting by an Evansville artist will soon be displayed at the Statehouse, according to Vanderburgh County lawmakers.   

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2022) – In the first half of the 2022 legislative session, Vanderburgh County lawmakers voted to advance several key priorities, including a sweeping tax-cut package to help hardworking Hoosiers and businesses.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 2022) – Vanderburgh County lawmakers are working to alleviate the state's severe nursing shortage and support Hoosier nurses by supporting legislation recently advanced by the Indiana House.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 26, 2022) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently approved a bill to protect pregnant Hoosier women and their unborn children from coerced abortions, according to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 20, 2022) – Legislation authored by State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) would help Hoosier veterans and their spouses connect to available grants, scholarships and job training opportunities.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 7, 2022) – State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) voted to advance legislation to ensure law-abiding Hoosier adults can carry a firearm without being required to first obtain a government-issued license. This legislation now moves to the full Indiana House for further consideration.

Students in grades 8-12 can now access free tutoring programs through a new state partnership with schoolhouse.world, according to State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) encourage local college students and recent graduates to apply online for internships at the Indiana Statehouse before the Oct. 31 deadline.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 13, 2021) – Vanderburgh County lawmakers encourage local college students and recent graduates to apply online for internships at the Indiana Statehouse before the Oct. 31 deadline.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 1, 2021) – Vanderburgh County lawmakers encourage local residents and businesses with slow or no broadband internet service to apply for help using the newly launched Indiana Connectivity Program.

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. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 20, 2021) – Longstanding Vanderburgh County farms recently received Hoosier Homestead awards for being in operation for 150 years, according to local legislators.

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

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 9, 2021) — Vanderburgh County lawmakers invite local nontraditional female students to apply for a scholarship through the Political Organization for Women's Education and Representation.

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) invite constituents to weigh in on Indiana's redistricting process during an upcoming public meeting on Aug. 7 in Evansville.

STATEHOUSE (July 6, 2021) – Vanderburgh County legislators recently received appointments to serve on interim study committees.

Note to the press: Please include the following statement from State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka), Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Tim O'Brien (R-Evansville) in your coverage of Indiana Auditor of State Tera Klutz announcing the state will end the fiscal year with $1.1 billion in excess reserves triggering an automatic taxpayer refund. While the final refund amount will not be calculated until later this year, early estimates suggest the refund could be as high as $170 per individual filer or $340 for joint filers.

State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state laws effective July 1, including those expanding broadband access, supporting lawful gun owners and helping small businesses.

Vanderburgh County and the town of Darmstadt were recently awarded a total of $448,628 in state matching grants to local communities for road and bridge improvements, according to local lawmakers.

Indiana recently awarded more than $1.9 million in state matching grants to local communities for road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

Indiana recently awarded more than $1.4 million in state matching grants to local communities for road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed into law legislation supported by State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) to prioritize broadband access for students, schools and rural clinics.

Legislation supporting jobs, employers and economic recovery by investing $60 million to expand the Hoosier Hospitality Small Business Restart Grant Program is now law, according to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

STATEHOUSE (April 13, 2021) – Legislation to fully fund public school students attending classes virtually this academic year due to COVID-19 is now law, according to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

STATEHOUSE (April 7, 2021) – Legislation to fully fund students attending school virtually due to COVID-19 is now law, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).

STATEHOUSE (March 12, 2021) – Some apprenticeship programs are now considered qualified expenses for funds saved through the CollegeChoice 529 Savings Plan, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).

The Indiana House of Representatives recently voted unanimously in support of a resolution co-authored by State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) to rename a portion of State Road 67 after Knox County native 1st Lt. Clayton Robert Cullen.

STATEHOUSE (March 5, 2021) – The Indiana House of Representatives advanced legislation to allow lawful carry in Indiana, which would allow law-abiding Hoosier adults to carry a firearm without having to first obtain a government-issued license, according to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 19, 2021) – After a unanimous vote by the Indiana House of Representatives, legislation co-authored by State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) supporting local law enforcement now heads to the Senate for consideration.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2021) — Indiana Grown recently launched the Shop Indiana Grown online marketplace connecting Hoosiers directly to local vendors and products, according to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 26, 2021) – The Indiana House of Representatives today voted in support of legislation, co-authored by State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka), to fully fund all K-12 public school students for the 2020-21 school year, regardless of whether students attended classes in-person or virtually due to COVID-19.

Vanderburgh County legislators were recently appointed to several House standing committees.

Local communities recently received more than $285,000 in state matching grants for road and bridge improvements, according to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka).

State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) was recently appointed as vice chair on the House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee and two other House standing committees.

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) encourage communities in Southwest Indiana to apply for the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program to help fund local road and bridge projects.

State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) encourage communities in Southwest Indiana to apply for the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program to help fund local road and bridge projects.

State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) 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.

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) 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.

Local legislators encourage area 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.

State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) 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.

A project expanding fast and reliable internet to unserved homes and businesses in Posey County can now move forward thanks to a $3.3 million state broadband grant, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).

Vanderburgh County school systems recently received more than $1 million in grants to invest in remote learning equipment and internet connectivity, according to local legislators.

Posey County schools recently received more than $540,000 in grants to invest in remote learning equipment and internet connectivity, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).

With about $570 million in unclaimed property available, State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) said Hoosiers should visit IndianaUnclaimed.gov today to see if money is waiting for them.

Diamond Valley Federal Credit Union recently received the Governor’s Half Century Business Award recognizing their longstanding service in the community, according to Vanderburgh County legislators.

According to State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch), 2020 Census responses are critical to future federal funding in local communities, and Hoosiers should respond now if they have not already done so.

Indiana Grown celebrates its five-year anniversary this month as it continues to attract more members and expand services, according to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) encourage veterans and Indiana companies to sign up for INvet's next-generation website that connects service members directly with Hoosier businesses.

Indiana Grown celebrates its five-year anniversary this month as it continues to attract more members and expand services, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).

State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) encourages veterans and Indiana companies to sign up for INvet's next-generation website that connects service members directly with Hoosier businesses.

State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) encourage veterans and Indiana companies to sign up for INvet's next-generation website that connects service members directly with Hoosier businesses.

With many new laws effective July 1, State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) said several important changes support Hoosier teachers, patients and farmers.

Knox 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 State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).

As Indiana continues to get back on track, the state is dedicating nearly $44 million in federal funds to help small businesses and manufacturers, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).

Vanderburgh County 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 local legislators.

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 Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).

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. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) encourage 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.

Posey County and local communities are eligible for more than $1.1 million through the federal stimulus package, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).

Vanderburgh County and local communities are eligible for more than $9.7 million to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to local legislators.

Gibson County and local communities are eligible for more than $1.6 million through the federal stimulus package, according to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).

Pike County and local communities are eligible for more than $510,000 to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to local legislators.

Knox County and Vincennes recently received $500,000 in coronavirus relief to support rural Hoosiers, according to State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).

Lincoln High School student Megan Gardner and North Knox Jr-Sr High School student Brianna Page recently received the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to local legislators.

Several area students pursuing a career in education recently received the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to local legislators.

Mount Vernon High School seniors Ellen Bush and Rhett Snodgrass recently received the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).

Several area students pursuing a career in education recently received the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).

Vanderburgh County was recently awarded $435,590 in state matching grants to bolster road and bridge improvements, according to local legislators.

Local communities were recently awarded over $2.4 million in state matching grants to bolster road and bridge improvements, according to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).

Local communities were recently awarded over $800,000 in state matching grants to bolster road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).

Local communities were recently awarded over $900,000 in state matching grants to bolster road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).

Pike County legislators said local communities were recently awarded over $1 million in state matching grants to bolster road and bridge improvements.

With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) said there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home.  

With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, Vanderburgh County legislators said there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home.

State Reps. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) encourage Hoosier workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to access recently expanded state and federal resources for help.

Vanderburgh County 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. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) encourages Hoosier workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to access recently expanded state and federal resources for help.

The Indiana House of Representatives on Tuesday unanimously supported State Rep. Matt Hostettler’s (R-Fort Branch) legislation allowing Gibson County to hire a new magistrate.

PHOTO CAPTION: (From left to right) State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch), Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville), Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) pair sneakers with their suits to help kick off February as National Cancer Prevention Month on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, at the Statehouse. The Indiana House of Representatives participated in the Suits and Sneakers Challenge, an annual event hosted by the American Cancer Society and National Association of Basketball Coaches, to help raise awareness. The American Cancer Society recommends a healthy diet and exercise to significantly reduce cancer risks.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 11, 2019) – Local communities were recently awarded over $472,000 in state matching grants to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 11, 2019) – Local communities were recently awarded over $1.4 million in state matching grants to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 11, 2019) – Pike County and the city of Petersburg will receive over $600K in state matching grants to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to area legislators.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 11, 2019) – Vanderburgh County and the city of Evansville recently received over $1.1 million in state matching grants to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to area legislators.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 27, 2019) – Applications are now open for the Indiana House Republican Internship Program, according to State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).

STATEHOUSE (July 2, 2019) — State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) will serve on the Interim Study Committee on Public Policy, which examines some of the state’s top issues and recommends potential legislation.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 2, 2019) – State Rep. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) 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. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) was recently appointed to serve on three House committees.

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 20, 2018) – Matt Hostettler of Fort Branch took the oath of office today to serve as state representative for House District 64.

STATEHOUSE (March 13, 2018) — A Mater Dei High School graduate is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Tom Washburne (R-Evansville) and his fellow members of the House of Representatives during the 2018 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (March 8, 2018) — Members of the House of Representatives Tuesday at the Statehouse honored retiring State Rep. Tom Washburne (R-Evansville) for his six years representing House District 64.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 18, 2018) — State Rep. Tom Washburne’s (R-Evansville) legislation to remove outdated and vague language from Indiana Code passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives today with a vote of 95-0.

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. Tom Washburne (R-Evansville).

The planting of corn, leaves turning green and the spring rain all herald the end of the Indiana General Assembly’s 2015 legislative session. The session, which began in early January and ended on April 29, is deemed a “long session” in contrast to the “short session” which ends mid-March. Long sessions are held in odd-numbered years and are lengthier to accommodate time to write the state’s two-year budget.

STATEHOUSE — House Bill (HB) 1145, authored by State Representative Tom Washburne (R-Evansville) and co-authored by State Representatives Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville), Wendy McNamara (R-Mount Vernon) and Gail Riecken (D-Evansville), passed out of House unanimously today. HB 1145 allows the Vanderburgh County circuit court judge to appoint a second full-time magistrate, effective in July 2015.

Budget time is upon us once again.  In both Washington, D.C. and Indianapolis, our legislatures are working to set government spending.  In Indiana, our past budgeting process worked well with Indiana enjoying one of the only budgetary surpluses in the country.  The same cannot be said about our government in Washington, where it has been many years since the House and Senate have been able to pass a budget resolution. As a result, our federal government is running stunning deficits and amassing staggering debt.  

STATEHOUSE – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) announced that State Representative Tom Washburne (R-Evansville) has been appointed to serve as Chairman of the Courts and Criminal Code Committee. 

STATEHOUSE- State Representative Tom Washburne (R-Evansville) congratulates the Emerson and Bratton family from Gibson County for receiving the Hoosier Homestead Award. The awards were presented by Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann in the Farm Bureau Building at the Indiana State Fair. 

STATEHOUSE - Be it in Washington, DC, or in Indianapolis, government programs, laws and regulations have a peculiar characteristic:  once created they are exceedingly difficult to end.  This is true whether the program is successful or not.  Indeed, there are many federal programs, such as the National Endowment for the Arts, which received yearly appropriations long after the program’s authorization expired.

STATEHOUSE — House Bill (HB) 1145, authored by State Representative Tom Washburne (R-Evansville) and co-authored by State Representatives Gail Riecken (D-Evansville), Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) and Wendy McNamara (R-Mount Vernon), passed out of the Courts and Criminal Code Committee today. HB 1145 allows the Vanderburgh County circuit court judge to appoint a second full-time magistrate.

In need of a little economic cheer heading into the Christmas-time festivities?  Are you sick and tired of hearing about reckless government spending, deficits and debt?  Or, do you simply just need to think about something positive for a change?  I know that I do.

My sister, a resident of San Diego, commented during a recent visit that, “Beauty is the commodity sought after in California; it sets the unofficial pecking order.  The prettier you are, the higher your respect and place.”  This set us to thinking about other areas of the country we had lived and the valued human “commodity” in each region, including our own.  

Watching the roll out of Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”) has been interesting.  Regardless of anyone’s opinion on the merit of the program, I think it is generally agreed that the task before the federal government is of mammoth proportions. How in the world can the federal government efficiently corral millions of people and have them sign up for something? Likewise, how can government accurately price it or pay for it? How can it practically enforce it if people simply don’t participate? We are talking about millions and millions of people.

On Tuesday, I made my fifth Tuesday interim trip up to the Statehouse in Indianapolis. That makes four Tuesdays in a row, and if you throw in a September Wednesday, it is five weeks in a row where I have been on the new I-69 highway (thank goodness for satellite radio). Now, if you are like me, you may be saying to yourself, “Why in the world is our state representative making all these trips to Indianapolis, especially because they adjourned in April?” Well, I think that the answer is that in Indiana we know how to get the business of government done.

Which headline do you prefer: a headline from a federal government website, “Grants to Manufacturers of Certain Worsted Wool Fabrics 2013,” or a recent headline from a local newspaper, “Toyota issues more than $120,000 in grants for local agencies”? I like the latter better.

Like many, I was over in Owensville for the Watermelon Festival a couple of weeks ago and had a great time.  The Watermelon Festival is one of many community festivals in the five counties that comprise Indiana House District 64, and it is one of the best.  

I recently returned from a family vacation out west.  We passed through many states, all of which - even our flat-as-a-pancake Great Plains brethren - had some magnificent scenery.  Some of these scenes really define the state.  For example, when we think of Colorado, we think of mountains.  For Oklahoma or Kansas, we think prairie.  As we passed under the arch and into Illinois, the thought occurred to me that there are other more important things for a state and its people to be known for.

If I had a nickel for every time I have to preface the answer to a question about Indiana law with the phrase “It’s actually quite complicated,” I would be a rich man indeed.  This is particularly true for questions pertaining to the many programs that have been created by the federal government but then crammed down to the states for administration. 

As I write this, all across the country folks are taking a break from their daily grind by celebrating our nation’s independence and all things American.  However, all too often what we are celebrating is lost in fireworks and – even worse – the confusing rhetoric of our politicians. 

The recent revelation by the IRS and other government agencies that privacy in our personal affairs may not be as private as we all thought is unsettling.  Most of us are quite uncomfortable for some obvious reasons.  

In the last several columns, I focused on the recent session of the Indiana General Assembly – the actions taken by our Legislature in setting the budget, cutting taxes, etc.  However, I think that is also worth mentioning what the Legislature did not do.  

In my last column, I spent time highlighting “ the money coming in” to be used in the Indiana budget –what is derived from taxes and fees – paying special attention to several tax cuts enacted by the Indiana General Assembly.  This week, I focus on the spending side of the budget – the money going out.

Having recently wrapped up the “long” session of the Indiana General Assembly, I thought it might be helpful to review our state’s budget for the next two years.  One unique aspect of Indiana’s budgeting is that we work on a two-year cycle, which makes for more efficient government and better long-term planning.

As I write this column, we are in the final week of the “long” session of the Indiana General Assembly.  So many legislative issues are changing daily that it would not be wise to comment on them until the final versions are set, the votes counted and the law is enacted.  

We all know that Mick Jagger did not have the Indiana General Assembly on his mind back in 1965 when he recorded “Time is on My Side” with Keith and the rest of the band. I must say the song did come into mind a few times during our recently concluded “short session.” Indeed, if you are a fan of limited, prudent government, time really is on your side in the short session.

Issues involving the regulation of gun ownership and gun use are some of the most fascinating matters that legislators face – but not for the reasons you may think.  For to me, the base subject is really not that difficult.  Our constitutions, both national and state, squarely address these matters, and all legislators take an oath to uphold these constitutions.  

The Indiana Statehouse is a beautiful building. If you wander its halls, which I hope everyone has an opportunity to do, you begin to wonder, what exactly is in these rooms behind the very tall doors?  Who works in them? What goes on there?  

STATEHOUSE – House Bill (HB) 1411 authored by State Representative Tom Washburne (R-Evansville) passed out of the House Tuesday with a unanimous vote.

STATEHOUSE – House Bill (HB) 1411 authored by State Representative Tom Washburne (R-Evansville) and supported in committee by former-Chief Justice Randall Shepard was heard in the Courts and Criminal Code Committee Wednesday and passed onto the full House with a unanimous vote.

One of the great mysteries of living in Indiana is why so many of us have not spent time reading the Indiana Constitution. Indeed, many can recite from memory favored portions of the United States Constitution, such as the Second Amendment, but how many of us can recite Article I, Section 32 of the Indiana Constitution, which states: “The people shall have a right to bear arms, for the defense of themselves and the State.” Arguably, our Hoosier Second Amendment is simpler and easier to understand than the federal version.

It has been said that there are two things in this world that you may not want to see:  the making of hot dogs and the making of law.  Unfortunately, there is some truth to this adage.  However, when the process works as intended, you get great hot dogs and prudent laws.