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Legislative Assistant: Brittany Jenkins
Phone: 317-232-9677 | 1-800-382-9841
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Balanced budget, school safety & teacher pay
among top House Republican priorities
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 7, 2019) – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) joined several House Republican members today to release their top legislative priorities for 2019, including passing a balanced state budget, strengthening school safety and increasing teacher pay.
“Passing an honestly balanced two-year state budget will take center stage, but we are also focused on passing our aggressive legislative agenda aimed at moving Indiana forward in many key areas, including school safety, teacher pay and our workforce,” Bosma said. “We are hitting the ground running to ensure a productive legislative session, and we look forward to working with our colleagues in the House and Senate, and Gov. Eric Holcomb.”
Bosma said the top priority this session is to pass a balanced state budget while maintaining healthy reserves and the state’s coveted AAA credit rating. The Indiana Department of Child Services will annually require an additional $286 million over the next two fiscal years, which Bosma said narrows the first fiscal year’s budgetary focus to funding the state’s key priorities, including K-12 education, which accounts for over half of the state’s $32 billion biennial budget.
Other priorities include increasing protections for Hoosier youth, strengthening the House Republicans’ commitment to students and teachers, better aligning workforce initiatives and supporting Indiana’s veterans.
“We join Governor Holcomb and Senate Republicans in sharing many of the same priorities for this legislative session, and I’m confident we will continue to work closely together to take them across the finish line,” Bosma said.
Increasing Protections for Hoosier Youth
In response to the Child Welfare Group’s comprehensive evaluation of DCS over the summer of 2018, State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) authored House Bill 1006 to implement the legislative recommendations needed to help reform DCS and improve the outcomes of children in the child welfare system. The bill aims to provide better balance to family case manager caseloads, allow foster youth to receive collaborative care and participate in independent living programs into their early 20’s, and give caseworkers greater flexibility in both their reporting and in how they prioritize cases in order to reduce court involvement.
Despite being recognized as a national leader in school safety policies, Bosma said it’s clear Indiana must do more to protect school children in light of two recent shootings in Noblesville and Richmond. State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) authored House Bill 1004, which would implement recommendations from Holcomb’s school safety report to improve physical security at schools and mental health resources for students.
House Republicans will continue their focus on reducing Indiana’s infant mortality rate, which is currently ranked 7th highest in the nation. State Rep. Cindy Kirchhofer (R-Beech Grove) authored House Bill 1007, which would help engage at-risk expecting mothers in early prenatal care, and require medical providers to give verbal substance use screenings to pregnant women to improve and increase referrals to addiction treatment.
Strengthening Commitment to Students and Teachers
To help direct more dollars toward teacher compensation, and recruit and retain high-quality educators, House Republicans worked alongside the Indiana State Teachers Association, Teach Plus Indiana and Stand for Children Indiana to craft several new policy initiatives.
While teacher pay decisions are made entirely at the local level through collective bargaining and budgeting, House Bill 1003 would strongly encourage schools to shift more existing and future dollars to Hoosier classrooms. Bosma said while many schools currently spend about 80 percent of their state funding on instructional expenses, other schools’ operational and overhead costs have ballooned – taking critical dollars away from teachers. According to the latest figures, only $57 of every $100 of state, local and federal resources spent on K-12 education made its way to Hoosier classrooms. This legislation, authored by State Rep. Dale DeVon (R-Granger), would set a target for public schools to spend at least 85 percent of state funding on instructional expenses. This new target percentage would not impose any new administrative requirements on school corporations because this analysis is already being reported to and tracked by the state. Bosma said if all Indiana’s public school corporations meet this goal, we anticipate over $350 million in new resources for classrooms – enough for a 5 percent salary increase or more for teachers.
According to the National Education Association, Indiana’s average public school teacher salary was $54,308 in 2017, and when adjusted for cost-of-living, Indiana’s teacher pay ranked 9th highest in the nation. Bosma said this year’s renewed emphasis on classroom expenditures coupled with coming increases to the K-12 school funding formula will begin the process of lifting statewide teacher compensation over the next biennium and beyond. Bosma added HB1003 is a significant first step toward making collective progress on these widely shared goals and House Republicans will continue working with their education partners to get more dollars into Hoosier classrooms.
In an effort to attract and retain high-quality teachers, State Rep. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis) authored House Bill 1008, which would establish career ladders to help experienced educators step into new roles and advance in the profession. DeVon also crafted House Bill 1009 to provide critical support for new educators by creating residency programs to pair new teachers with mentors in the classroom.
Aligning and Promoting Workforce Initiatives
In 2018, Indiana had its second consecutive, record-breaking year for economic development with businesses committing to an additional 31,112 new Hoosier jobs and $7.38 billion in new investments over the coming years. While Indiana’s pro-growth policies and economic performance are ranked among the best in the nation, the state remains among the bottom third of states in most human capital and workforce rankings.
To strengthen Indiana’s workforce and talent pipeline, State Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) authored House Bill 1002 to encourage early and continuing career exploration and navigation, reinvigorate career and technical education courses and encourage completion of certifications or postsecondary credentials. In addition, the bill would prioritize funding for workforce programs with proven results and provide additional flexibility for schools to partner with employers in order to establish work-based learning opportunities.
Supporting Hoosier Veterans
House Republicans will continue efforts to bolster the hard-earned benefits and pensions of Indiana’s veterans by phasing in an income tax exemption for military retirement pensions, along with ratcheting up the assessed value eligibility cap for the disabled veterans property tax exemption. Working in coordination with Holcomb, State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) authored House Bill 1010 to help honor those who served while incentivizing them to stay and put their skills to work in Indiana.
Speaker of the House: 2004-2006, 2010-Present
Indiana House of Representatives: 1986-Present
House District 88: Northeast portion of Marion County, a portion of southern Hamilton County and the western part of Hancock County
Occupation: Attorney - Kroger, Gardis & Regas
Education: B.S.E., Purdue University; J.D., Indiana University
Speaker Brian C. Bosma was first elected in 1986 and was first selected as Speaker of the Indiana House in 2005. Brian is a graduate of the Purdue School of Engineering and Indiana University School of Law. He has practiced municipal and construction law at the Indianapolis firm of Kroger, Gardis & Regas for 34 years.
As a leader in the Indiana Statehouse, Speaker Bosma’s record of reform is unparalleled. His time in leadership is marked by significant policy achievements, turning Indiana in a new direction over the last decade. Indiana now has the best economic, regulatory and business tax environment in the Midwest and has one of the top five business environments in the nation. House Republicans also championed “Major Moves,” Indiana’s landmark highway funding plan that resulted in the construction of I-69 and the Ohio River bridges. In 2017 House Republicans successfully enacted one of the most comprehensive infrastructure financing program in the United States.
Brian is a strong advocate for school choice and personally championed Indiana’s strong charter school system and the most comprehensive school choice program in the nation. In 2012, Speaker Bosma led the charge to make Indiana the 23rd “Right to Work” state in the nation, and, in 2013, he and House Republicans championed the passage of the largest tax cut package in state history. He has spearheaded 14 tax cuts in the last decade, while maintaining Indiana’s strong reserves and AAA credit rating, making Indiana the fiscal envy of the nation.
Brian and Cheryl Bosma have been married for 35 years and are the proud parents of Allison and Chris. Chris and his wife Katherine live in Indianapolis where Chris is completing his third year of medical school. Allison and her husband live in Fort Collins, Colorado, where she is teaching high school. Brian is also the founding director of Bosma Industries for the Blind, which employs over 125 blind and visually impaired Hoosiers statewide.
Honors and Awards
House District 88 includes the northeast corner of Marion County and small portions of Hancock and Hamilton counties.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 16, 2019) – “I appreciate and support the work of Chief Justice Rush to ensure Indiana’s judicial branch continues to adapt to the changing needs of all those who interact with our court system. Indiana has successfully expanded court technology, which is critical to streamlining services and identifying efficiencies. Our Hoosier judiciary faces tremendous challenges, but continues to make great strides in curbing the effects of addiction, improving the paths to recovery for offenders and supporting our most vulnerable Hoosier children.”
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 15, 2019) – “Governor Holcomb set the right tone with his bold vision for our state’s future, and we will continue working with him to take our shared priorities across the finish line this session.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 14, 2019) — House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) will host the sixth annual “Tweet Seats” during Gov. Eric Holcomb’s State of the State address on Tuesday.
“Government is a team sport and Tweet Seats is a way to engage constituents with their state government and encourage transparency,” Bosma said. “Social media has the ability to connect people from across the state, and we encourage Hoosiers to follow the conversation on Twitter and weigh in with their thoughts and opinions.”
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 7, 2019) – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) joined several House Republican members today to release their top legislative priorities for 2019, including passing a balanced state budget, strengthening school safety and increasing teacher pay.
“Passing an honestly balanced two-year state budget will take center stage, but we are also focused on passing our aggressive legislative agenda aimed at moving Indiana forward in many key areas, including school safety, teacher pay and our workforce,” Bosma said. “We are hitting the ground running to ensure a productive legislative session, and we look forward to working with our colleagues in the House and Senate, and Gov. Eric Holcomb.”
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 3, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives and the Indiana Division of The Salvation Army are teaming up this legislative session to increase awareness about child hunger.
House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) and House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) joined officials from The Salvation Army today at the Statehouse to launch a food and backpack donation drive.
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 6, 2018) – “I look forward to working with Governor Holcomb on our shared priorities ranging from strengthening our state’s workforce and booming economy to improving teacher pay and school safety policies. We appreciate the governor’s leadership and vision for 2019, and look forward to working with him and our Senate colleagues next session to meet the state’s needs and build on Indiana’s success story.”
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 5, 2018) – House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) released House standing committee assignments today for the 121st General Assembly.
“House lawmakers are ready for the upcoming session as we focus on the state’s priorities and passing another honestly balanced state budget,” Bosma said. “Our committees do much of the heavy lifting during session as they review and evaluate legislative proposals. We are fortunate to have so many talented members with diverse backgrounds and professional experiences working to keep Indiana moving forward.”
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 29, 2018) – “I appreciate the hard work that went into this strategic plan and support the governor’s assessment that additional tolling is not necessary in the foreseeable future. Last year, we passed a comprehensive and data-driven road funding plan, which significantly addresses state and local infrastructure needs. Our conservative approach is a model for other states, and positions Indiana to responsibly maintain and improve its infrastructure. While we have taken tremendous steps forward, we will continue to monitor future revenue projections and consider all options as our state’s needs change.”
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 29, 2018) – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) released appointments today for House standing committee chairmanships, leadership positions and select, key committees for the 121st General Assembly.
“House Republicans have an outstanding team of leaders who are ready to roll up their sleeves and hit the ground running this legislative session,” Bosma said. “The work of our committees is often understated, but their roles are critical to the process as they carefully vet bills and dig in on the issues.”
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 20, 2018) – “Our state’s economy and government is hitting on all cylinders, and employers have taken notice. Existing businesses are expanding, entrepreneurs are launching startups and global, high-tech giants like GE, Salesforce and Infosys are relocating to Hoosier soil.
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 8, 2018) – “I look forward to working with Phil and his leadership team as we head into the next legislative session. Indiana lawmakers have a track record of reaching across the aisle and working together on the majority of issues we face. Phil is a long-time friend and I appreciate his commitment to public service.”
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 30, 2018) – “Matt Tully has been a strong voice in Indianapolis for more than 15 years, and he never backed down from a challenge or from asking the tough questions. While we disagreed from time to time, I always respected his professionalism, talents and passion, and considered him a friend. Matt’s words and perspective will be missed in our city, and he and his family will be in our prayers.”
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 25, 2018) – “Tim is now recovering at home with his wife, Jane, and going through therapy. His condition continues to improve and he’s impressed his doctors with his progress. Tim’s family sincerely appreciates all of the support and prayers, and ask for continued respect of their privacy while Doc focuses on his recovery.”
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 4, 2018) – “Coming from a family of teachers, I understand and respect the tough jobs they do inside and outside the classroom to keep students engaged and on track. Tamara Markey is a shining example of the incredible leaders we have working in our schools who go above and beyond to reach students and make a positive impact. We are fortunate to have her in Lawrence Township, and I commend her for sharing her passion for engineering and encouraging students to explore STEM careers.”
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 25, 2018) – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) recently selected Noelle Sykes to serve as chief counsel for Indiana House Republicans.
Sykes is a licensed attorney and chief deputy securities commissioner in Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson’s office, where she has worked since 2013. During her time on Lawson’s staff, she served in other roles including enforcement attorney and senior counsel in the Auto Dealer Services Division.
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 13, 2018) – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) released the following update in coordination with State Rep. Tim Brown’s (R-Crawfordsville) family regarding Brown’s condition after his involvement in a motorcycle crash on Wednesday in Michigan:
“Tim remains in critical but stable condition. The next few days are going to be very important. Tim’s wife, Jane, and his daughters are with him, and he is receiving extraordinary care. The family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and prayers for Tim’s quick recovery. Please continue to pray for him, his family, Representative Speedy and all those involved. I also ask that we all continue to respect the family’s privacy during this challenging time.”
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 12, 2018) – “State Rep. Tim Brown was involved in a serious motorcycle accident in northern Michigan late this morning. He was traveling on his motorcycle with State Rep. Mike Speedy when he struck an SUV that pulled out in front of them. Rep. Speedy was able to avoid the vehicle and was not injured. Out of respect for Tim’s family, we cannot confirm any details about his condition at this time. Tim is an invaluable member of our leadership team, a dedicated public servant and one of my most cherished friends. Our prayers are with him, his family and Rep. Speedy.”
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 4, 2018) – “Today’s announcement underscores Gov. Eric Holcomb’s commitment to making our state an attractive destination for workers and businesses alike. I look forward to working with the governor to help build connections for all Hoosiers through supporting strong policies that solidify Indiana’s position as the economic powerhouse of the Midwest.”
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 10, 2018) – “School safety remains top of mind, and I appreciate Gov. Eric Holcomb’s focus and commitment to taking action to ensure all Hoosier students have a safe place to learn. I look forward to working with him and other stakeholders next session to improve uponIndiana’s already strong school safety policies.”
STATEHOUSE (July 30, 2018) – “The recent vandalism at the Congregation Shaarey Tefilla in Carmel is sickening, disheartening and unacceptable. It is my hope that the perpetrators will be caught and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We need to continue to support our neighbors as no one should live in fear – especially at their house of worship.
"This summer, the Interim Study Committee on Corrections and Criminal Code will take another look at the issue of bias-motivated crimes and identify opportunities for legislative consensus. Indiana judges already have the ability to enhance sentences based on a criminal’s motivation when presented with evidence of bias, but perhaps more needs to be done to clarify and highlight this existing provision."
STATEHOUSE (July 26, 2018) – “Brett Kavanaugh is deeply respected and well-known for his fair-mindedness, commitment to public service and conservative track record. He’s uniquely qualified and a solid choice to serve on our nation’s highest court. His confirmation would help shape the court for years to come, and it is my hope the Senate works quickly to confirm him.”
STATEHOUSE (July 18, 2018) – “We believe Curtis Hill is the individual who should be answering questions about allegations of inappropriate conduct, and we stand by our prior statements regarding this matter. We are fully cooperating with the Inspector General’s Office as they conduct their current investigation and will await the results.”
STATEHOUSE (July 5, 2018) – “We believe that the women who came forward with accounts of inappropriate behavior by Attorney General Curtis Hill in the early hours of March 15, 2018, are telling the truth regardless of the Attorney General’s denial of these allegations. We do not believe that Curtis Hill, as chief law enforcement officer of the State of Indiana, can continue to perform his duties, nor should he, and we call for his immediate resignation. We have further requested that the Indiana Inspector General thoroughly investigate these allegations. Sexual harassment is unacceptable at any time, in any place. It makes no difference that these incidents did not occur in a workplace environment. Curtis Hill is not our employee; if he was, he would already have been fired. Because we cannot terminate his employment, we ask instead for him to own up to his actions, apologize publicly to the victims, and tender his resignation immediately.”
STATEHOUSE (July 2, 2018) - "Several of the recommendations made by the Child Welfare Policy and Practice Group regarding the Department of Child Services may require substantive changes to state law. That's why we assigned a number of these topics to the Interim Committee on the Courts and the Judiciary, where they can be fully vetted and lawmakers can bring sound policy recommendations to the table next session. Improving the state's child welfare system requires a comprehensive approach, and we remain fully committed to improving outcomes for these vulnerable children."
STATEHOUSE (June 20, 2018) ― House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) announced interim committee assignments today for members of the Indiana House of Representatives.
Members of Indiana’s part-time legislature work throughout the summer and fall months preparing for the next legislative session by serving on interim committees and conducting deep dives on policy issues.
STATEHOUSE (June 18, 2018) – “Protecting Indiana’s most vulnerable children continues to be a top priority for the General Assembly, and it’s clear that more must be done to ensure child safety and better outcomes. This comprehensive independent assessment is a critical tool as state and local stakeholders at all levels work together to improve our child welfare system. I’m also encouraged by the immediate and swift actions being taken by Governor Holcomb and the Department of Child Services as a result of this report. The Legislative Council will convene at 1:30 p.m. on July 2 to review the findings and recommendations, and discuss next steps.”
STATEHOUSE (June 11, 2018) – “Business and technology are changing, and that’s why our workforce and training need to be aligned – especially if we want to continue to compete in this global economy. Today’s federal waiver announcement is exciting news as the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet is a critical piece of Indiana’s comprehensive approach to streamlining and improving our state’s workforce development system. From increasing coordination between job creators and state government to aligning Indiana’s education and job training programs, we face big challenges, and I’m confident we are moving in the right direction.”
STATEHOUSE (May 30, 2018) – House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) announced his decision Wednesday to appoint former State Rep. Bill Davis to chair the Alcohol Code Revision Commission.
Davis was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2004, and served on several committees, including Roads and Transportation, Commerce and Economic Development, Elections, and Labor and Pensions. Davis also served on the Ways and Means Committee from 2005-2010, and as chair of the Public Policy Committee from 2011-2013. Davis retired from the Indiana General Assembly and assumed the directorship of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs before retiring in 2014.
STATEHOUSE (May 15, 2018) – The Legislative Council today assigned topics for the General Assembly to study during the legislative interim.
The council includes eight members of the Indiana House of Representatives and eight members of the Indiana Senate. This year, House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) serves as chair and Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) serves as vice-chair.
STATEHOUSE (May 14, 2018) - "Senate Republicans selected a strong leader among a deep bench of talented legislators, and I look forward to working with Senate Pro Tem-Elect Rod Bray as we keep Indiana moving forward. Senate President Pro Tem David Long will pass the baton to another dedicated and respected public servant who will continue to serve Indiana well."
“We are committed to conducting this one-day special session in an open and transparent manner, giving the public and each lawmaker an opportunity to review the legislation and legislative procedure well before May 14. That’s why we released all special session documents on the state’s website today, including the five bills eligible for final passage. With the exception of a technical corrections bill recommended for adoption by the Legislative Services Agency, the four other bills will be eligible for a final vote in the same form they were in on the last night. This process will complete our work just as it should have been with limited expense to the taxpayer.”
- House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis)
STATEHOUSE (April 26, 2018) – “Today’s announcement is an incredible win for Indiana and made possible through our state’s strong, pro-growth policies, fiscal stability and conservative leadership. Over the years, we worked closely with then-governors Mitch Daniels and Mike Pence, and now Gov. Eric Holcomb to make Indiana the tech capital of the Midwest, and those efforts are paying dividends for Hoosier workers and our economy.”
“We are determined to complete our work quickly and efficiently while making sure the legislative process is open and transparent to the public. That’s why we will only focus on a handful of critical bills that were eligible for final votes but remained on the table when the session clock expired. Additionally, the nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency has identified a few technical corrections that need to be addressed. We are taking unprecedented steps to ensure legislators and the public have time to review the legislation well in advance of the special session.”
- House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis)
STATEHOUSE (April 18, 2018) – “Indiana continues to lead the pack with one of the top economic outlooks in the nation, which is the result of years of strong pro-growth policies and structurally balanced budgets. Under conservative leadership, our state is continuing to strengthen its welcoming environment for job creators and Hoosier workers.”
According to the publication, the economic outlook ranking is a forward-looking forecast based on the state’s standing (equal-weighted average) in 15 important state policy variables. Data reflect state and local rates and revenues and any effect of federal deductibility.
Note to the Press – Please include the following statements from House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) in your coverage of Gov. Eric Holcomb signing House Enrolled Act 1001 and House Enrolled Act 1004 into law on Tuesday during a ceremony at the Statehouse:
STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2018) — Two Lawrence North High School graduates gained experience as interns with House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) and fellow members of the House of Representatives during the 2018 legislative session.
STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2018) – “We made significant progress on many issues this session, including matching our state’s top business climate with incentives and opportunities for Hoosiers to enhance their work skills. Our team continues to focus on connecting more Hoosiers to high-wage, high-demand jobs, which are coming to our state in droves. With the signing of these legislative priorities, our state is moving from planning to implementation to keep Indiana’s economic engine running strong.”
STATEHOUSE (March 19, 2018) – “I concur with the governor’s assessment that several critical issues require further legislative action. This special session will be limited to those important issues which remained on the table at the close of the regular session. We will continue to work closely with the governor and our Senate colleagues, and we are committed to keeping this session extremely focused and efficient in terms of scope and time.”
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 28, 2018) — “Today’s bill signing is a big win for all the Hoosiers who voiced their support to end the decades-old ban on carryout alcohol sales on Sunday. Indiana’s Alcohol Code Revision Commission did a great job in opening the conversation last summer, and it was good to see legislators act quickly to bring this long-awaited convenience to consumers.”
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 13, 2018) — “President Pro Tem David Long has played a critical role in Indiana’s transformation to a state with a top-rated business climate, strong economy and record of honestly balanced budgets. Under strong Republican leadership, our state continues to lead the way as the fiscal envy of the nation while boasting the No. 1 ranked state government. David has helped drive Indiana’s success story, and his leadership and experience will be sorely missed at the Statehouse. It’s been an honor to serve alongside him and call him my friend.”
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 6, 2018) — House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) said House Republicans made great progress on their legislative priorities as the session reached the halfway point on Tuesday.
Bosma said House Republicans made headway on key issues including House passage of legislation providing a funding boost for K-12 schools, strengthening Indiana’s workforce, attacking the opioid epidemic and increasing government efficiency.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 2, 2018) — “This waiver extension of the Healthy Indiana Plan is tremendous news for the over 400,000 low-income Hoosiers served by our consumer-driven program. Indiana is a national model for how states can support better health outcomes while encouraging personal responsibility and reducing costs. With this waiver from the federal government, we will also have an opportunity to expand critical addiction treatment options and our efforts to help Hoosiers find employment.”
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 24, 2018) — House lawmakers switched gears at the Statehouse today and filled much-needed diaper bags with baby supplies for Indiana’s foster families.
The Indiana House of Representatives and the Indiana Association of Resources and Child Advocacy and its Institute for Excellence, an organization dedicated to helping foster and adoptive families, co-hosted the “Bags of Hope” event. In November, House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) first announced the House would partner with IARCA for the 2018 legislative session to help raise awareness about the growing need for foster families.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 10, 2018) — “To address Indiana’s opioid epidemic, all branches of government must work together to attack the issue. Today, Chief Justice Rush reaffirmed her support for helping those caught in the revolving door of incarceration due to drug addiction and assisting those who are left in its tremendous wake – Hoosier children. We also support her continued efforts to expand court technology, which is critical to improving efficiency and service for all Hoosiers who interact with our judicial system.”
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 8, 2018) — House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) will host the Indiana House Republican’s annual “Tweet Seats” during Gov. Eric Holcomb’s State of the State address on Tuesday.
Since 2013, Bosma has invited prominent community members and organization leaders to the Statehouse to provide live commentary via Twitter during the governor’s annual address. Bosma said his goal is to engage the public in conversations about what is going on in their state government and the work that is being done on their behalf.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 5, 2018) — "Rep. Bill Friend has served as a strong voice for his constituents and rural communities across the state. His leadership and experience in the agricultural industry have proven to be a valuable asset. He's dedicated over 20 years to serving the public, and we will miss him and his expertise tremendously at the Statehouse. Bill is also a close friend and confidant, and I appreciate the great work he has done as a member of our leadership team. We wish Bill and Ann the very best as they pursue the next chapter in their lives."
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 4, 2018) — House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) released the House Republican legislative agenda today, which focuses on supporting a funding boost for K-12 schools, strengthening Indiana’s workforce, attacking the opioid epidemic and increasing government efficiency.
“Indiana’s strong fiscal foundation and economic momentum positions us well to handle the challenges ahead,” Bosma said. “This short session will be fast and our hope is to act quickly on our top priorities, including fulfilling our funding commitments to local schools, reforming our workforce system, continuing our attack on the opioid epidemic and cutting government red tape. We look forward to working with our House and Senate colleagues and Gov. Eric Holcomb to accomplish our agenda on time and under budget.”
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 20, 2017) – “Indiana’s nationally recognized economic climate has served as a boon for Hoosier workers and job creators, and it’s encouraging to see our federal representatives push this long-overdue tax reform over the finish line. We believe this effort will stimulate the national economy, encourage employers to return to the U.S. and put more money into the pockets of American workers.”
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 15, 2017) – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) recently selected House Republican Deputy Chief of Staff and Policy Director Tyler Campbell to serve as the new Chief of Staff for House Republicans.
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 27, 2017) – “Unlike Washington, D.C., here in Indiana, the vast majority of successful legislation passes the General Assembly with bipartisan authorship, sponsorship and support. Hoosier legislators have a long track record of reaching across the aisle to find common ground on many issues and we look forward to continuing that work with the new minority leader, State Rep. Terry Goodin, as we head into another important legislative session.”
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 21, 2017) – As the demand for foster families in Indiana reaches an all-time high, House lawmakers are finding ways to help children in need.
House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) and House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath (D-Michigan City) announced today that the Indiana House of Representatives is partnering with the Indiana Association of Resources and Child Advocacy and it’s Institute for Excellence during the 2018 legislative session. The nonprofit organization serves over 4,600 children every day in foster homes, group homes and treatment facilities, and works closely with the Indiana Department of Child Services to improve the lives of children.
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 21, 2017) – “Indiana’s economy is hitting on all cylinders, and employers continue to choose our state to locate and expand. But despite this success, many challenges lie ahead. In particular, we need to maintain our focus on strengthening Indiana’s workforce, tackle the ongoing opioid crisis that is devastating our state and others, continue to improve our children’s education, and further streamline government and reduce bureaucracy. We look forward to addressing these issues head-on during the legislative session with the help of our Senate colleagues and Gov. Eric Holcomb.”
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 8, 2017) – “Indiana’s strong economy continues to pay dividends through record job creation and low unemployment. To maintain this momentum, and to continue to attract employers in record numbers, it's clear we have to strengthen our workforce pipeline. The governor has put forth a bold agenda, and we look forward to working with him on workforce and other critical issues facing our state and finding the best solutions for all Hoosiers.”
In the past week, Indiana hosted both Vice President Mike Pence and President Donald Trump, each carrying a message to Congress calling for comprehensive tax reform. The administration and national observers have rightly cited the nation’s woeful federal tax system as a drag on our economy, and many have recognized Indiana as an example of what responsible, pro-growth policies can achieve.
Indiana is increasingly recognized as one of the best places to start a business or raise a family. CNBC ranks Indiana 2nd in the nation for cost of doing business. Publications, like Chief Executive Magazine, and think tanks like the Tax Foundation, consistently rank Indiana first in the Midwest and among the top ten nationally for our pro-business climate. Money magazine recently ranked four Indiana cities in the nation’s top 25 best places to live in America, with Fishers ranking first nationally.
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 27, 2017) – “With one of the top business climates in the nation, Indiana’s economic environment stands in stark contrast to the dysfunction of federal tax policy and job-killing regulations. We’ve worked hard to pass conservative, commonsense policies, which have led to lower taxes and less regulations on Hoosiers and businesses alike. The effects of a burdensome federal tax system that discourages growth trickle down to the American worker through less take-home pay and less opportunity. It’s time for Congress to reform and modernize the tax code, and create an environment where businesses can grow and workers can succeed.”
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 20, 2017) – “The Community Crossings Grant Program has proven to be a tremendous win for communities large and small, especially as they look to stretch their dollars further to repair and modernize their roads and bridges. Hoosiers are starting to see road construction signs across Indiana as our state and local governments work together to improve quality of life and attract more job creators. Our hope is to maintain this momentum moving forward to match Indiana’s incredible economic growth and solidify our reputation as the Crossroads of America.”
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 6, 2017) – “As Hoosier companies search for top-level talent and international businesses look for areas to grow their operations, it’s critical that Indiana offers fast and easy travel connections with global commercial hubs. This new, year-round flight to Paris, the gateway to Europe, is a major boost to our state’s overall competitive advantage, and further supports the European-owned companies that we want to continue to attract and that currently employ over 60,000 Hoosiers statewide.”
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 23, 2017) – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) presented longtime physician and community leader Dr. James C. Dillon with a Sagamore of the Wabash Tuesday in Carmel.
Dillon, a former member of the Hamilton County Council and Clay Township Board, received the state’s highest honor presented on behalf of Gov. Eric Holcomb during the Clay Township Board meeting.
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 14, 2017) – “Indiana’s economic engine is running strong and as employers seek to fill high-demand, high-wage jobs, we want to ensure our pipeline of hardworking Hoosiers is ready to fill those needs. Through the Next Level Jobs initiative, job seekers can find better-paying jobs while employers can train and retain workers to meet their immediate and future needs.”
STATEHOUSE (July 17, 2017) – “The chair of the Appropriations Committee plays a critical role in keeping Indiana’s financial position strong, and I am confident State Sen. Ryan Mishler's breadth of experience will be a great addition to the fiscal leadership team at the Statehouse. We look forward to working together to maintain Indiana's AAA credit rating and our top position in economic and government rankings for the Midwest."
STATEHOUSE (July 13, 2017) – “Indiana’s roads and bridges are the lifeblood of our strong Hoosier economy and our responsible, comprehensive and sustainable funding plan will help maintain these assets and build for the future. Today’s unveiling of the Next Level Roads Plan and future construction projects sets years of hard work and planning in motion. This effort will serve as a boon for state and local economies, and I especially look forward to communities moving forward with much-needed road projects through the use of additional state funding and the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program.”
STATEHOUSE (July 12, 2017) ― House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) today announced his lay member appointments to the newly formed Alcohol Code Revision Commission and the Marion County Judicial Selection Committee.
Bosma selected Alex Huskey and Douglas M. Kowalski to serve on the Alcohol Code Revision Commission. The commission is tasked with completing a two-year comprehensive review of Indiana’s alcohol laws and making recommendations for potential legislation to the Indiana General Assembly.
STATEHOUSE (July 6, 2017) – “While one life lost is one too many, it’s encouraging to see the number of abortions significantly drop again and trend downward as we strive to give a voice to the unborn. Since Republicans took over the majority in the Indiana House of Representatives in 2011, the state’s abortion rate has dropped by nearly 30 percent. There’s still more work to be done and we remain committed to supporting strong pro-life policies that promote health and empower women to choose life.”
STATEHOUSE (July 6, 2017) ― House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) released the 2017 interim committee assignments today for members of the Indiana House of Representatives.
STATEHOUSE (July 5, 2017) – “State Sen. Luke Kenley has been a dedicated public servant, problem solver and budget hawk who has served as a key architect of Indiana’s strong fiscal foundation. Our state's economic strength and stability continue to attract the national spotlight and pay dividends for all Hoosier taxpayers. As my colleague and friend, I enjoyed working with Luke and I know he will be greatly missed at the Statehouse.”
STATEHOUSE (June 29, 2017) – “Healthcare is a dominating issue on the state and national level, and it’s exciting to see Indiana’s top health official, Dr. Jerome Adams, be nominated to serve during this critical time. As the Nation’s Doctor, his breadth of experience in the medical and public sectors will be an incredible asset, and I’m confident he will be solutions-minded as he works on the frontlines to improve public health.”
STATEHOUSE (June 26, 2017) – “Expanding high-quality early learning opportunities for more low-income children and rural communities is key to helping close the achievement gap, and has been a long-term goal of House Republicans. This new law marks a responsible investment in our existing pre-K pilot program and reflects our strong commitment to giving Indiana’s most vulnerable the best chance at success in kindergarten and beyond.”
STATEHOUSE (June 23, 2017) – A new Habitat for Humanity home that got its start on the grounds of the Statehouse was turned over to its homeowner today during a ceremony in Indianapolis.
House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) joined Greater Indy Habitat for Humanity to dedicate the home along with State Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) and build co-sponsor Eli Lilly and Co. In March, Republican and Democrat lawmakers teamed up for the General Assembly’s first-ever Habitat home build at the Statehouse. Over 100 volunteers including legislators and staff constructed the home’s wall panels, which were later transported to its permanent location near Eli Lilly in Indianapolis.
STATEHOUSE (June 12, 2017) – “I was pleased to learn of the appointment of Wabash County Superior Court Judge Christopher Goff to the Indiana Supreme Court. He possesses not only a rich judicial experience, but a varied legal background as a practicing attorney that will allow him to add a new perspective to what is already a very qualified bench.”
STATEHOUSE (June 5, 2017) – “Indiana’s alcohol laws are clearly outdated as many of these policies haven't been overhauled in generations. That’s why Senate leader David Long and I agreed to create a new commission, which will do a deep dive over the next two years to identify responsible, commonsense solutions to bring Indiana’s laws into the 21st Century. Our goal is to appoint knowledgeable individuals free of ownership connections to the many alcohol industry participants and their lobbyists. Our leadership team is committed to addressing these issues and I look forward to the work ahead."
STATEHOUSE (May 9, 2017) – “Once again Indiana is recognized as a national leader for its attractive business climate, which is bolstered by the state’s reputation for fiscal discipline, and low tax and regulatory environment. Strengthening our economic competitiveness was a key factor in this year’s passage of the largest state and local infrastructure investment in Indiana history. The Hoosier state makes a strong case for why businesses should choose to locate and grow here. We will continue working together to create an atmosphere that attracts more high-wage jobs for hardworking Hoosiers."
If you’ve driven in Indiana lately, chances are you have dodged potholes or paid for an expensive car repair. In fact, the average Hoosier driver spends about $491 per year on repairs due to the condition of our roads. Indiana communities are grappling with traffic congestion, backlogged road projects and the growing costs of deferred maintenance. It’s abundantly clear we must renew our commitment to maintaining our reputation as the “Crossroads of America.”
STATEHOUSE (May 2, 2017) – “Today’s jobs announcement by Infosys, a global high-tech company, is exciting news and reflects on the strength of our higher education institutions, workforce and business climate. This company will help build on our growing, innovation-driven economy, which continues to create high-demand jobs and opportunities for Hoosiers. It’s encouraging to see Indianapolis become one of the top tech cities in the Midwest, challenging bigger markets on the east and west coasts for tech jobs.”
STATEHOUSE (April 22, 2017) - House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) said Indiana House Republicans successfully met their 2017 legislative goals as the General Assembly concluded its work.
In addition to passing the largest state and local infrastructure investment in Indiana's history, lawmakers supported an honestly balanced, two-year state budget while funding key priorities. Bosma said House Republicans successfully passed other legislative agenda items, including supporting students and teachers, improving Indiana's workforce, increasing public safety and attacking the state's drug epidemic.
STATEHOUSE (April 20, 2017) – In the final days of the 2017 legislative session, lawmakers are set to make a historic investment in Indiana’s state and local infrastructure.
House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne), State Reps. Tim Brown (R-Crawfordsville) and Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso), and State Sens. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) and Michael Crider (R-Greenfield) announced the details of their comprehensive, responsible and sustainable plan to fund Indiana’s roads and bridges over the next 20 years.
STATEHOUSE (April 18, 2017) – “This latest ranking adds to the decades of progress under strong Republican leadership and is reflective of the dedication to supporting pro-growth policies. Our economic climate and competitiveness continue to attract the national spotlight, and that’s why job creators are choosing Indiana to locate and expand their businesses. This session, we will continue this momentum by passing an honestly balanced budget and supporting fiscally conservative measures that keep Indiana moving forward.”
According to the publication, the economic outlook ranking is a forward-looking forecast based on the state’s standing (equal-weighted average) in 15 important state policy variables. Data reflect state and local rates and revenues and any effect of federal deductibility.
STATEHOUSE (April 18, 2017) – “For over 30 years, legislators on both sides of the aisle have supported the move to an appointed superintendent and for the first time, the measure successfully passed both chambers. The bill’s passage underscores the importance of taking politics out of education and putting Hoosier children first. Our students, parents and educators deserve consistency and better coordination in the administration of education policy and this action marks a giant step forward. While it was a long road to get here, we reached a compromise with the Senate and I look forward to the bill becoming law.”
STATEHOUSE (March 8, 2017) – Indiana lawmakers teamed up with Habitat for Humanity of Indiana today to formally kick off the General Assembly’s first-ever home build on Statehouse grounds.
Indiana House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath (D-Michigan City), Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) and Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) joined Habitat officials on the South lawn to announce the results of their fundraising and tool drive efforts. In all, funds raised topped $50,500 – far surpassing the initial $30,000 goal to pay for materials and costs of the home’s wall panels. Donations raised beyond the goal will help provide training and support for Habitat’s affiliates in Indiana. Legislators and Statehouse staff also donated about $3,500 in new and used tools.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 28, 2017) – “Through many years of responsible, conservative leadership in Indiana, we have been able to streamline government operations, improve services and significantly enhance transparency for Hoosier taxpayers. A leaner, more efficient state government has led to a decade of honestly balanced budgets, healthy reserves, fully funded pension liabilities and a AAA credit rating. With a strong fiscal foundation, Indiana has consistently been in the national spotlight for its outstanding business climate, resulting in record job creation and more Hoosiers working than ever before. Today’s report listing Indiana at the top of the best states for government confirms we are on the right track and I will work hard to continue moving Indiana forward.”
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 27, 2017) - Indiana House Republican lawmakers successfully advanced their top legislative priorities as session crossed the halfway point on Monday.
House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) said his team made significant progress on their agenda including passing an honestly balanced budget and a long-term road funding plan. House Republicans also passed legislation supporting students and teachers, improving Indiana's workforce, increasing public safety and attacking the state's drug epidemic.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 16, 2017) – “Hoosier drivers and businesses across our state recognize the critical need for improvements to our roads and bridges. That’s why House Republicans focused on crafting a conservative plan to reform the way we fund infrastructure needs for the Crossroads of America. Reps. Ed Soliday and Tim Brown have worked hard on this legislation, which is centered on data-driven and responsible solutions. Today’s passage of House Bill 1002 marks an important step and is the culmination of a 6-year long process of determining our funding needs and the best options to meet those needs. We look forward to working with our counterparts in the Senate to continue the conversation.”
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 6, 2017) – “We are now six weeks into session, and we are finally hearing from the House Democrats on how to address our shared concerns for the future of Indiana’s roads. Their plan would raise taxes, result in cuts to education and jeopardize our state’s AAA credit rating. In the last month alone, we have heard of many jobs and business investments coming to Indiana in direct response to our state’s top-ranked business climate and pro-growth policies. Raising taxes on Hoosier employers is the wrong move and would be a major employment setback for the average worker. The House Republicans have put forth a data-driven and sustainable long-term plan, that reforms the way we pay for our roads and doesn’t harm our state’s fiscal health or business climate,” said Bosma.
“The House Democrat’s proposed plan is missing responsible, sustainable, long-term funding. They do not fully understand our current and future infrastructure needs and they have a plan that is lacking in data to back up their proposal. The door is always open for a bipartisan solution, but we refuse to kick the can down the road. Our plan is backed by years of study, producing a data-driven, lasting solution to Indiana’s infrastructure needs that does not create debt for future generations,” said Soliday.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 27, 2017) – “On behalf of the Indiana House, we are honored to receive this recognition from the American Conservative Union Foundation. Our state’s commonsense conservative policies have put Indiana in the national spotlight and led to our top-ranked business climate with low taxes and less regulation. House Republicans will continue to keep Indiana moving in the right direction with a strong focus on private-sector growth through conservative principles.”
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 20, 2017) – “It’s an exciting and humbling experience to be in our nation’s capital during this historical time for our country and for our state. I’m incredibly proud of my friend, Vice President Mike Pence, and thankful for his service to Indiana. Our country needs strong conservative leadership now more than ever, and I’m optimistic about the future as the Trump Administration takes the helm and addresses our nation’s great challenges.”
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 18, 2017) – “Today, Chief Justice Rush reaffirmed her commitment and dedication to improving our courts through modern technology and supporting Hoosier families – especially children in need. I look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the judicial branch. I’m also thankful for Justice Robert Rucker’s years of service and wish him the best upon his retirement from our state’s highest court.”
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 11, 2017) – “I am pleased to know that our State Board of Education unanimously selected State Superintendent Jennifer McCormick as their chair, and I’m confident she will be a great partner for all stakeholders including the board, Indiana Department of Education, schools and the state legislature. As a teacher, principal and district superintendent, she has the experience and background necessary to serve as a strong leader and I look forward to working with her in her new position.”
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 9, 2017) – “This was a great day for Hoosiers as we formally welcomed Gov. Eric Holcomb, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and other members of our statewide team into office. Eric is laser-focused on taking Indiana to the next level by growing our economy, maintaining fiscal integrity and protecting Hoosier taxpayers. We are fortunate to have him at the helm and to carry the torch passed on by Mitch Daniels and Vice President-elect Mike Pence. Under Republican leadership, Indiana leaped into the national spotlight with its top-ranked business climate and strong economy, and I look forward to working with our new team to build on this incredible momentum.”
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 5, 2017) – “Dan Coats has the experience, integrity and knowledge needed to serve as director of national intelligence, and I couldn’t be more proud to have one of Indiana’s own stepping into this critical role. From his time in the U.S. Senate to his experience as the U.S. ambassador to Germany, he has proven to be a true servant leader and patriot who always keeps the best interests of our country in mind."
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 4, 2017) – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) and Indiana House Republicans outlined their legislative agenda today and released their long-term road funding plan.
The House Republican agenda, “Investing In Our Future,” focuses on passing a balanced state budget and funding Indiana’s infrastructure needs while supporting education, job creation, workforce development, addiction treatment and public safety.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 2, 2017) - "Tera Klutz's strong background and experience on the local level will position her well as our next state auditor. I look forward to working together to help maintain Indiana's AAA credit rating, strong reserves and commitment to fiscal integrity."
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 19, 2016) – "Our top priority this session is passing a comprehensive, sustainable and responsible road funding plan. Today's recommendations help lay the groundwork as we work toward this goal and consider more sustainable revenue sources to build our infrastructure for the next generation," said House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis). "I'm thankful for the efforts of the task force, especially Representatives Tim Brown and Ed Soliday, who have worked very hard on identifying data-driven solutions that will work for Hoosiers and move Indiana forward."
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 16, 2016) – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) today announced House standing committee assignments for the 120th General Assembly.
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 8, 2016) – “Secretary of Commerce Victor Smith’s outstanding leadership has helped Indiana make great strides to improve its top-ranked business climate, attract billions of dollars in investments and create thousands of much-needed jobs. With Governor-elect Eric Holcomb’s selection of Jim Schellinger for this critical post, Hoosiers can rest assured we will continue to build on our economic success story. I’m confident Jim’s experience as the IEDC president and his years of experience as a business leader will help him make a seamless transition into this new role, and I look forward to working together to keep Indiana on a positive track.”
STATEHOUSE (Dec. 1, 2016) – “Today’s announcement is welcome news as over 1,000 hard-working Carrier employees faced looming layoffs. We appreciate the efforts of the incoming administration, including our own Gov. Mike Pence, who followed through on their promise and reached a meaningful agreement to save much-needed jobs. It’s clear that burdensome federal regulations and taxation is crushing American businesses large and small, and there’s more work to be done to ensure American companies can stay competitive and continue to invest in our communities and our workforce. It was an honor to be with the president-elect and vice president-elect today, and I am confident that this is just the beginning."
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 22, 2016) – House lawmakers gathered at the Statehouse today for the ceremonial start of the 2017 legislative session known as Organization Day.
Addressing his colleagues in the House Chamber, House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) highlighted the legislative priorities for House Republicans. While passing a balanced state budget and long-term road funding plan top the agenda, Bosma also pledged to support education opportunities, job creation, workforce development, addiction treatment and public safety.
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 22, 2016) – Statehouse lawmakers and Habitat for Humanity are teaming up this legislative session to help build a home for a low-income family and raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.
Indiana House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath (D-Michigan City), Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) and Senate Democratic Leader Tim Lanane (D-Anderson) joined officials from Habitat today to formally announce their partnership.
Note to the Press: Please include the following statement from House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) in your coverage of today’s announcement regarding Governor-elect Eric Holcomb naming Earl Goode as chief of staff.
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 21, 2016) – “Earl Goode is an excellent choice for chief of staff and a strong leader with invaluable experience in the private and public sectors including working for the Daniels’ administration. I look forward to working with Earl again at the Statehouse, as we all focus on making Indiana a better place for Hoosier families and businesses."
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 9, 2016) - Members of the Indiana House Republican Caucus convened today to organize and elect its leadership team.
The caucus re-elected State Rep. Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) to his historic fifth term as Speaker of the House.
"We are ready to move past this unprecedented election season and work on our legislative agenda to help lead Indiana forward," Bosma said. "We have a strong leadership team in place and I look forward to working with our new members, and the new governor and his team. This session, we will keep our focus on continued fiscal integrity, a long-term infrastructure funding plan, and teacher and student focused education opportunities."
STATEHOUSE (October 4, 2016) – "The potential success for the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute continues to grow, and I congratulate the organization's new addition, Prof. Rainer Fischer, who will serve as its chief scientific and innovation officer," said House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis). "This institute plays a critical role in making Indiana a world leader in life sciences innovation and attracting top talent to our state. I look forward to continuing to support their efforts in the future."
STATEHOUSE (July 25, 2016) – "Today’s positive fiscal report is a clear indicator of our state’s continued strong, prudent fiscal management as we continue to hold a structurally balanced budget and healthy reserves under Republican leadership. At a time when many states, like Illinois, are facing budget shortfalls and crushing liabilities, we have kept taxes low for Hoosiers and job creators while making record investments in education and roads. Our strong fiscal discipline, AAA credit rating and our state’s record reserves will allow us to develop a comprehensive and sustainable long-term road funding solution next session."
STATEHOUSE (May 25, 2016) ― The Legislative Council today assigned topics for the General Assembly to study during the legislative interim.
The council includes eight members of the Indiana House of Representatives and eight members of the Indiana Senate. This year, House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) serves as chair and Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) serves as vice-chair.
STATEHOUSE (May 18, 2016) – “Sue’s leadership, experience and passion for higher education will be a tremendous asset for Ivy Tech,” said Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis). “Our state’s community college plays a critical role in bridging the skills gap and strengthening the workforce pipeline – especially as more employers look to fill high-skill positions. I’m confident Sue will lead this great institution in a positive direction and I look forward to our continued work together in her new role.”
STATEHOUSE (April 29, 2016) – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) today announced his appointments to a new panel charged with recommending a replacement for the ISTEP test.
INDIANAPOLIS (April 19, 2016) – “Today's decision is a win for Hoosiers who reach out in confidence to their legislators for help. Constituents sharing personal information deserve to do so with the assurance that those details will not end up in the media or in their neighbors’ hands. This communication has long been treated as legislative work product and we appreciate our state’s highest court leaving that long-standing practice in place.”
INDIANAPOLIS (April 8, 2016) – "Mr. Richter is once again allowed to sell his brooms on U.S. Postal Service property, and we are identifying with the Indianapolis postmaster the exact location that works at each branch he frequents. I sincerely appreciate the time, compassion and effort of post office officials, both locally and in Chicago, who worked expeditiously to make this right," Bosma said. "Jim has had a long-standing presence in Indianapolis and his personal story and positive attitude are inspiring. It's easy to understand why he had the community rallying behind him."
INDIANAPOLIS (April 7, 2016) – “Hoosier educators are one of Indiana's most critical resources, influencing the lives of thousands of students and shaping the future of our state,” said Bosma, author of House Enrolled Act 1002. “We believe the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship will encourage our best and brightest students to attend college and enter the teaching profession."
Teachers are one of Indiana's most critical resources, touching the lives of thousands of students and shaping the future of our state. Unfortunately, we know from recent teacher licensing data that fewer and fewer Hoosiers are choosing the teaching profession. This session we seized the opportunity to incentivize the best and brightest Hoosier students to enter and stay in Indiana classrooms.
As the Speaker of the Indiana House, I announced some lofty goals for this year’s short legislative session on Organization Day last November. Tackling road and bridge funding issues, protecting and promoting Indiana’s teachers and students, curbing our state’s illegal drug epidemic and replacing the ISTEP test all topped the list. And I made one more pledge – in this season of endless political sniping, the Indiana House would conduct itself in a civil, inclusive and bipartisan fashion. I am pleased to state that Hoosiers are winners on virtually each of these counts.
STATEHOUSE (March 3, 2016) – “It is an honor to join my colleagues today in confirming Eric Holcomb..."
STATEHOUSE (March 2, 2016) – "Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann has the heart of a servant leader..."
STATEHOUSE (March 1, 2016) – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) led fellow House members today in honoring the life of Amy Beverland Elementary School Principal Susan Kelley Jordan.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 11, 2016) – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) led fellow House lawmakers today in honoring the Indiana Boys & Girls Clubs for their dedication to helping thousands of Hoosier children and teenagers in need.
INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 9, 2016) – “Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellspermann is an extraordinary leader and public servant, who has dedicated herself to serving Hoosiers. I personally wish Sue the best in all of her future endeavors and thank her for her commitment to keeping Indiana on the right track..."
STATEHOUSE (February 9, 2016) ― Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) and Indiana House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) issued the following statement today regarding SCR 27, a resolution honoring Indiana Supreme Court Justice Brent Dickson upon his retirement...
INDIANAPOLIS (Feb. 4, 2016) - "I am saddened by the loss of Governor Edgar Whitcomb and my thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a personal friend and a true public servant. He will be missed by all who knew him and will be long remembered for his courage and remarkable personal story, which has inspired countless Hoosiers, including this one."
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2016) – As session reached the halfway point this week, House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) said House Republicans have moved forward on passing their legislative agenda, which focused on road funding, supporting public educators and curbing illegal drugs.
In total, House members passed 116 bills, sending them to the Senate for consideration.
“House Republicans worked quickly and efficiently on passing all of our priority bills, including a comprehensive, responsible and sustainable road funding plan,” Bosma said. “I am proud of the progress made in the first half on these sound policies and look forward to continuing the momentum."
“House and Senate leaders, the Department of Education and the governor’s office agreed early on that we had to act quickly to ensure teachers and schools were held harmless from the transition to the new ISTEP standards..."
STATEHOUSE – Today the Legislative Council approved the appointment of John Robert “Bob” Rudolph to serve as the Chief Counsel for the Office of Legislative Ethics within the Legislative Services Agency (LSA). House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) was the author of House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1002, the ethics bill which passed in a bipartisan effort during the 2015 legislative session.
STATEHOUSE – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) has appointed Dr. Byron L. Ernest to serve as a member of the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE).
Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 1 provides for legislative appointments to the SBOE from the Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives as well as the President Pro Tempore of the Indiana State Senate. This will allow legislators to have increased input in the development of education policy in Indiana. SEA 1 will improve the autonomy of the SBOE and will ensure that Hoosier students have access to the best education possible.
STATEHOUSE – State Representative Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) authored House Bill (HB) 1004, creating the Safety P.I.N. (Protecting Indiana’s Newborns) grant program to combat infant mortality in Indiana. The bill was co-authored by House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) and State Rep. Dave Frizzell (R-Indianapolis) and passed unanimously out of the House today.
“I strongly support the Governor's announcement to issue an Executive Order and immediately funding an outside consultant to solve the problems concerning the drastic increase in the ISTEP+ test. The decision to greatly multiply testing time in 2015 was the Superintendent’s decision alone, and legislators and even the State Board of Education were not consulted or informed of this before the public announcement of the extended test time.
STATEHOUSE – “Today marked a momentous occasion in our state’s history as Indiana’s first woman Chief Justice took the podium to deliver her first State of the Judiciary. I appreciated her call to improve public safety, strengthen families and modernize courts.
STATEHOUSE – “The Governor set exactly the right tone and we are fully aligned in our priorities. House Republicans announced in October our focus would be on crafting an honestly balanced budget, increasing public school funding, fixing the funding formula and addressing important aspects of public safety, namely infant mortality and domestic violence prevention.
STATEHOUSE — Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) announced the launch of the Indiana House Republicans new website, www.indianahouserepublicans.com.
STATEHOUSE — House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) is hosting his annual “Tweet Seats” during Governor Mike Pence’s State of the State address on Tuesday. Six prominent twitterviduals from around the state will be in attendance, tweeting live from the Statehouse with updates of Gov. Pence’s address.
House Speaker Brian C. Bosma Organization Day Speech, November 18, 2014
When high school graduation approaches, the question of whether to pursue further education lingers in the minds of many students. Throughout this booklet are addresses, phone numbers and websites which may be very helpful in a student’s search for the right school.
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