STATEHOUSE (April 11, 2019) – The Senate Homeland Security and Transportation Committee recently voted in support of State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) bill that would open lines of communication between schools and law enforcement to better protect students.

Currently, law enforcement and school corporations cannot share a student’s alarming behavior, school files or criminal records, even if it pertains to public safety threats. Cook’s proposal would enable school corporations or law enforcement agencies to request certain, pertinent information from each other about a student for the purpose of enhancing safety.

STATEHOUSE (April 2, 2019) – “While Senate Bill 198 is not perfect, it is still an inclusive bill that protects all Hoosiers equally. I appreciate the opportunity to work with Rep. Steuerwald on this legislation and support his efforts. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this conversation, and made their voice heard. This is a major, positive step forward for our state.”

I have devoted most of my life to education, and I continue to do everything I can as a lawmaker to support both students and teachers. I am sponsoring several Senate bills to better serve students after they graduate and streamline teacher training requirements.

When students graduate from high school, they are often unsure of what they want to do next in life. I am sponsoring Senate Bill 158 to develop the Indiana Youth Service Program for recent high school graduates. This program would provide young Hoosiers an opportunity to explore growing career options in Indiana, learn various skills and figure out their next step.

STATEHOUSE (March 26, 2019) – Legislation sponsored by three local lawmakers creating a pilot program to support Hoosier children at high risk of becoming juvenile offenders could soon become law.

According to State Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel), proposed legislation would establish a two-year pilot program in five counties throughout the state to serve as an intervention initiative for children not yet in the court system. These children exhibit extreme behavioral issues that put themselves at risk.

STATEHOUSE (March 25, 2019) – The Newlon Farm was recently recognized at the Statehouse for being in operation for more than 150 years, according to State Sen. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo) and State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

Located in Tipton and in operation since 1849, the Newlon Farm received the Hoosier Homestead Centennial and Sesquicentennial Awards.

STATEHOUSE (March 25, 2019) – The Blake Farm was recently recognized at the Statehouse for being in operation for more than 150 years, according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) and State Sen. Mike Gaskill (R-Pendleton).

Located in Alexandria and in operation since 1866, the Blake Farm received a Hoosier Homestead Sesquicentennial Award.

Indiana is home to thousands of talented educators who are passionate about seeing our children succeed. As a former superintendent and member of the House Committee on Education, I want to find innovative solutions to some of the challenges our schools face so that teachers feel appreciated and students thrive. This session, I am sponsoring a legislative proposal providing schools more flexibility when it comes to compensating teachers, and another helping schools meet the needs of their students facing speech sound delays and disorders.

From jumping into the workforce to continuing their schooling, high school graduates have many options as they begin the next chapter of their lives. Throughout school, young Hoosiers must develop strong academic foundations and critical skills in order to achieve their goals. Their success upon graduation is a reflection of the education they received, and schools meeting this goal deserve to be recognized. 

All my life I have been dedicated to the education of young Hoosiers. Today, I continue to look for ways to improve Indiana schools. This session, we are working on several priorities including enhancing school safety to increasing teacher pay.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 26, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted in support of legislation authored by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) to enhance sentencing for criminals who commit offenses against judges or public safety officers.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 22, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted in support of legislation authored by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) to provide flexibility for high school students enrolled in technical and career-oriented classes.

Indiana offers graduation pathways so students can customize their education to best meet their academic and career goals, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach that relies on passing qualifying exams. These pathways allow students to select from multiple routes to earn their diploma while aligning strengths and interests with skills and future ambitions.

Building off these pathways, Cook’s legislation would allow high schools to count a student’s nontraditional courses, like work-based learning programs or career and technical education classes, toward academic honors diplomas.

CAPTION: (From left to right) Hamilton County legislators, State Reps. Tony Cook (R-Cicero), Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel), House Speaker Brian C.  Bosma (R-Indianapolis), Todd Huston (R-Fishers) and Chuck Goodrich (R-Noblesville) pair sneakers with their suits to draw attention to National Cancer Prevention Month Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Each year, the Indiana House of Representatives participates in the Suits and Sneakers challenge, an annual event hosted by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. According to the Indiana State Department of Health, cancer is the second-leading cause of death for Hoosiers. Many cancers can be prevented or treated early by getting regular detection screenings.

For the past several years, there has been an increase in the number of bias-motivated crimes reported throughout the country. Because of these growing numbers, a statewide hate crimes statute is in high demand from businesses and religious groups. In an effort to protect all Hoosiers from criminals who may target them for who they are, I authored House Bill 1020 to increase penalties for these crimes.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 13, 2019) — The House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee Tuesday voted in favor of legislation authored by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) that would allow local law enforcement to share student information with schools for security purposes.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 6, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives Tuesday supported a proposal authored by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) aimed at reducing requirements put on Hoosier teachers.

“Currently, Indiana’s teachers must participate in a number of training and development programs so they are prepared to handle potential challenges in the classroom,” Cook said. “While these additional courses are important, many of them are repetitive or outdated, and could be eliminated.”

Cook’s legislation calls for a study committee to examine these requirements before 2020 and determine ways to eliminate, reduce or streamline them.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 1, 2019) – The House Education Committee unanimously supported legislation authored by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) focused on reducing some requirements put on Indiana’s teachers.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives Monday voted in support of legislation strengthening school safety co-authored by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

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 (Nov. 27, 2018) – State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) today released draft legislation that would create a statewide hate crime statute.

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

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

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2018) — The Achenbach Farm was recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair for being in operation for 100 years, according to State Sen. Jim Buck (R-Kokomo) and State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

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. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

STATEHOUSE (June 20, 2018) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) was recently selected to serve on the Interim Study Committee on Education.

STATEHOUSE (June 13, 2018) — The Indiana Department of Education on Tuesday awarded Westfield High School and Tri-Central Middle-High School for student success on AP exams for the 2016-2017 school year, according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

Note to the press: Please include the following statements from State Reps. Kathy Kreag Richardson (R-Noblesville), Tony Cook (R-Cicero), Todd Huston (R-Fishers), Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) and Jerry Torr (R-Carmel) in your coverage of the shooting at Noblesville West Middle School.

STATEHOUSE (May 3, 2018) — Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday ceremonially signed into law legislation sponsored by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) expanding student access to computer science classes in Indiana schools.

STATEHOUSE (May 2, 2018) — Many local students planning to pursue a career in education were selected to receive the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

STATEHOUSE (April 12, 2018) — Ashpaugh Electric, Inc. on Wednesday at the Statehouse received the Governor’s Half Century Business Award for its longevity and sustained investment in the community, according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

STATEHOUSE (April 4, 2018) — Gov. Eric Holcomb ceremonially signed legislation co-authored by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) into law Tuesday increasing transparency for prospective adoptive and foster parents.

At midnight on March 14, the General Assembly adjourned the 2018 legislative session. House Republicans supported new policies providing financial flexibility for schools, protecting student athletes and promoting STEM.

STATEHOUSE (March 7, 2018) — State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) legislation helping schools address their immediate financial needs with additional funding flexibility is moving to the governor for consideration as a new law.

The 2018 legislative session crossed the midway point, with House bills now being reviewed by the Senate and Senate bills being reviewed by House members. I am sponsoring Senate bills that would help protect Hoosiers from misleading telemarketers, help prevent youth suicides and ensure rape kits are processed in a timelier manner.

Children spend a large amount of time at school. As they focus on their classes and shuffle off to athletic events, House lawmakers are considering policies to better ensure our students are safe as they continue to grow and learn.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2018) — The House of Representatives today supported State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) proposal that would help schools more immediately address their financial needs with additional funding flexibility.

As a state representative and former educator, I am committed to supporting our schools and students. The legislature will be considering many new laws this session, and I am working on a few bills to help our schools.

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. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

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. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 12, 2017) — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded Cicero a $403,000 Community Development Block Grant for local projects, according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 20, 2017) — Local communities will receive state matching grants to improve roads and bridges, according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 12, 2017) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) will host a series of public meetings this fall to gather input and suggestions for new laws prior to the 2018 legislative session. 

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 6, 2017) – Indiana House Republicans are now accepting internship applications for the 2018 legislative session, according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 31, 2017) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) and local and state leaders joined the staff and students of Hamilton Heights Middle School today in commemorating the 30^th anniversary of Ryan White’s first day as a student at Hamilton Heights High School.

WHO:

Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Jerome Adams

Hamilton Heights Middle School Principal Bret Bailey

State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero)

Hamilton Heights Middle School Assistant Principal Corey Kiger

HIV Prevention Director John Nichols

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 14, 2017) — Area legislators recently 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 19, 2017) – State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) 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, our communities will receive over $216 million to improve local roads and bridges and finish current projects thanks to a responsible funding plan approved by the legislature this session. This much-needed investment will improve our roadways, which help drive our local economy forward. Over the next five years, there will be construction zones and slower traffic — please drive safely out there.”

STATEHOUSE (July 6, 2017) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) was recently selected to serve on the Interim Study Committee on Education.

STATEHOUSE (June 26, 2017) — Gov. Eric Holcomb today ceremonially signed into law a bill supported by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) expanding Indiana’s pre-K pilot program.

STATEHOUSE (June 20, 2017) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) 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 (June 15, 2017) — Tri-Central Middle/High School and Westfield High School were among 73 schools honored during Wednesday’s Indiana AP Recognition Ceremony at the Statehouse, according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

STATEHOUSE (June 8, 2017) — Gov. Eric Holcomb recently ceremonially signed a law authored by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) providing students with increased access to specialty classes and business or trade certification programs.

STATEHOUSE (June 7, 2017) — Gov. Eric Holcomb today ceremonially signed a new law authored by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) providing schools with more budgetary flexibility.

STATEHOUSE (May 26, 2017) — Gov. Eric Holcomb ceremonially signed a law authored by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) providing some protections for people who rescue animals from hot cars. 

STATEHOUSE (May 25, 2017) — Gov. Eric Holcomb today ceremonially signed a law authored by State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) providing law enforcement officers with a new tool to more quickly notify emergency contacts after responding to a tragic car accident.  

STATEHOUSE (May 18, 2017) — Local students planning to pursue a career in education are among the recipients of this year’s Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarship, according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero). 

STATEHOUSE (April 28, 2017) — Gov. Eric Holcomb signed into law Wednesday State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) legislation providing partial immunity to individuals who rescue pets trapped inside hot cars. 

STATEHOUSE (April 26, 2017) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse.

The 2017 legislative session has come to an end. Policymakers supported my legislation this session, reforming school funding and protecting pets left inside of hot vehicles. 

STATEHOUSE  (April 19, 2017) – State Reps. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) and Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) recently honored the Westfield High School football team with a House resolution congratulating them on their state championship win.

Cook and Schaibley recently visited Westfield High School to honor team members and coaching staff.  

STATEHOUSE (April 18, 2017) — State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) bill providing students with access to additional specialty courses and programs that their schools may not provide, could soon be law.  

STATEHOUSE (April 13, 2017) — State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) bill that would allow law enforcement officers to more quickly notify family members in the event of a person’s death or serious bodily injury, could soon be law. 

At this point, the governor has signed 20 bills into law. He is considering a handful of others, including proposals I supported to decrease cervical cancer rates in the state, help veterans and remove financial barriers for those heading off to college.

STATEHOUSE (April 7, 2017) — State Sen. Jim Buck (R- Kokomo) and State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) today honored a pair of locally owned family farms for being in operation for more than 100 years. 

STATEHOUSE (March 29, 2017) —The Senate Committee on Civil Law today passed State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) bill that would provide protections to individuals who rescue animals left unattended in hot cars.

Children who attend high-quality preschool have higher wage-earning potential and are more likely to graduate from high school. With these proven benefits in mind, lawmakers are working this session on expanding early childhood education options in Indiana. 

STATEHOUSE (March 23, 2017) — The Senate Committee on Education and Career Development recently passed State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) bill that would provide students with access to additional specialty courses and programs that may not be offered at their school. 

The General Assembly recently reached the halfway point of session. Now, House bills move to the Senate for consideration and Senate bills move to the House. I have four proposals for new laws that are continuing to advance through the legislative process.

STATEHOUSE (March 9, 2017) – The U.S. News and World Report recently ranked Indiana No. 1 on its list of “Best States,” according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

STATEHOUSE (March 8, 2017) – State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) 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 7, 2017) – Area legislators laced up their sneakers with their suits today at the Statehouse to help raise cancer awareness.

STATEHOUSE (March 7, 2017) — The Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Transportation today passed State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) bill that would establish the Indiana Emergency Contact Database giving public safety officers access to information in the event of a death or serious bodily injury.

Last summer, I was contacted by a constituent after her son was involved in a car accident. He was airlifted to Methodist Hospital where his mother was just six miles away. She did not receive a call notifying her of her son’s accident for six hours. The call finally came from the hospital chaplain telling her that her son had passed away. 

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 22, 2017) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) recently recognized the Indiana Farm Bureau for its dedication to infusing agriculture in Hoosier classrooms. 

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 21, 2017) — The House of Representatives today voted in support of State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) bill that would give students more access to specialty classes and programs that their schools may not provide. 

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 17, 2017) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse:

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 16, 2017) — The House Committee on Roads and Transportation recently passed State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) bill that would establish the Indiana Emergency Contact Data Base giving  public safety officers access to information in the event of a death or serious bodily injury. 

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 15, 2017) — The House Committee on Education recently passed State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) bill that would provide students with access to specialty classes and programs if they are not provided by the school they attend. 

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 14, 2017) — The House of Representatives recently voted in support of State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) bill that would provide protections to those who rescue animals left unattended in hot cars. 

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 13, 2017) — The House of Representatives today voted in support of State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) bill that would allow school corporations to direct more dollars to classrooms by providing more budgetary flexibility.

Even when the outside temperature is as low as 72 degrees, the interior temperature of a car can reach up to 116 degrees within an hour. Rolling down or cracking windows is still not enough to affect the inside temperature of the vehicle in order to make it a safe environment for animals. If pets are exposed to this type of heat for a period of time, not only are they suffering, but they could also endure permanent organ damage and death. 

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 6, 2017) — The House Committee on Judiciary today passed State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) proposal that would provide protections to those who rescue animals left unattended in hot vehicles. 

As a member of the House of Representatives, I remain dedicated to supporting educators and students. Working to direct more dollars to the classroom and improving testing is among my priorities.

As the 2017 session starts, legislators in the House of Representatives are working to responsibly make the necessary investments in roads and education for the next generation. 

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 28, 2016) — Applications are now open for students interested in participating in the Indiana House Page Program, according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero). 

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 19, 2016) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) was recently selected to serve as vice chair of the House Committee on Education. 

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 12, 2016) — The deadline to apply for the Next Generation Teacher Scholarship, paying $7,500 per year for students pursuing a career in education, is Dec. 31, according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero). 

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 2, 2016) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) has been selected to serve on State Superintendent-Elect Dr. Jennifer McCormick’s transition team as she prepares to take office in January.

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 23, 2016) — House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) today named State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) as vice chair of the House Committee on Education.

“Habitat for Humanity gives Hoosiers like Natalie and her family a decent, safe and affordable place to live,” Cook said. “Volunteer opportunities for this great organization are available all across the state; take time to help those in need while making a difference in your community.” 

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

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 10, 2016) — “A top priority this session is responsibly expanding the pre-K pilot program across our state,” State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) said. “I am looking forward to exploring effective educational opportunities that will help our Hoosier children develop and learn.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 4, 2016) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) was named Legislator of the Year by the American Institute of Architects Indiana for advocating for great design, advancing the architecture profession, and championing some legislation that was positive for architectural firms and school corporations

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 13, 2016) – State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) received an award for conservative excellence from the American Conservative Union Foundation in its 2016 ratings of the Indiana General Assembly. 

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 25, 2016) — Local communities received state matching grants this week to improve roads and bridges, according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 15, 2016) — Five local farms were recognized on Friday with Hoosier Homestead awards for 100 years or more of family farm ownership, according to State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero).

STATEHOUSE (June 23, 2016) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) will be serving on the Interim Study Committee on Education.  

STATEHOUSE (March 28, 2016) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) congratulates Bonnie and Kenneth Harrold as Hoosier Homestead award recipients for 150 years of family farm ownership in Grant County.

“Agriculture plays a vital role in our economy,” Cook said. “Farming operations like the Harrold Farm provide jobs to hard-working Hoosiers while putting food on our tables. I wish the Harrold family continued success for the next 150 years.”

STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2016) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse:

STATEHOUSE (March 1, 2016) – State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) welcomes Hamilton County resident, Gabe Sachs, to the Statehouse where he is interning with the House of Representatives during the 2016 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 19, 2016) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse:

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 10, 2016) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) welcomes local resident, Erin Moorhous, to the Statehouse where she is interning with the House of Representatives during the 2016 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 5, 2016) — State Rep. Tony Cook (R-Cicero) recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse:

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2016) – The House of Representatives voted 95-1 in support of State Rep. Tony Cook’s (R-Cicero) bill to provide high school students classes in newly created workplace functional Spanish, emphasizing common Spanish vocabulary and acceptable grammar usage. Upon successful completion of the classes, students will qualify for credit and special language notations on their transcripts.