Julie Olthoff

PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) (right) joins Lake County sheriff's officer Christopher Akey (left) in the House Chamber on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis after passing House Concurrent Resolution 2 honoring fallen Lake County Sgt. William Paterson. 

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 7, 2026) – State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) authored a House Concurrent Resolution to rename a portion of U.S. Highway 30 after fallen Lake County Sgt. William Gilbert Paterson.

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 22, 2025) – Local communities received over $1.3 million in state funding for local road and bridge projects, according to Lake County lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 4, 2025) – Indiana high school seniors and college students planning to pursue a career in teaching can now apply for a Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to Lake County lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 6, 2025) – State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point), a member of the bipartisan Indiana Political Organization for Women's Education and Representation Caucus, announced the deadline is approaching for its annual scholarship awarded to Hoosier women.  

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 3, 2025) – Indiana House Republicans are seeking student interns for the 2026 legislative session, according to Lake County legislators.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 17, 2025) – Lake County schools recently received more than $2.1 million for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 27, 2025) – Lake County lawmakers are commending a historic increase in third grade literacy rates for Hoosier students following results from the 2024-2025 Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment.

STATEHOUSE (July 21, 2025) – With the 2025 legislative session concluding in April, State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) are highlighting some of the new state laws taking effect this summer

STATEHOUSE (June 30, 2025) – Lake County students preparing to become teachers are among this year's recipients of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to local lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (April 23, 2025) – The Indiana House supported legislation sponsored by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) to require vehicles with an altered appearance such as a new color or vinyl wrap to have an updated registration.

STATEHOUSE (March 28, 2025) – Legislation co-authored by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) to expand eligibility for the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program, offering additional support for foster families heads to the governor.

STATEHOUSE (March 7, 2025) – Indiana's Community Crossings Matching Grant Program awarded local communities over $6.9 million in state funding for local road and bridge projects, according to Porter County legislators.

STATEHOUSE (March 6, 2025) – Indiana's Community Crossings Matching Grant Program awarded local communities over $10 million in state funding for local road and bridge projects, according to Lake County legislators.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 10, 2025) – State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) filed legislation to allocate state funding for victim assistance grants to entities eligible under the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA).

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 9, 2025) – Applications are live for the Indiana House Page Program during the 2025 legislative session at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, according to Porter County lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 9, 2025) – Applications are live for the Indiana House Page Program during the 2025 legislative session at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, according to Lake County lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 16, 2024) – Lake County legislators recently received appointments to serve on key House standing committees at the Statehouse.

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

 STATEHOUSE (Oct. 7, 2024) – The Oct. 31 deadline to apply for an Indiana House Republican internship during the 2025 legislative session is fast approaching, according to area lawmakers. 

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 13, 2024) – Lake County schools recently received more than $1.8 million for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 13, 2024) – Porter County schools recently received more than $603,000 for safety upgrades through the state's Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 27, 2024) – Applications to intern with Indiana House Republicans for the 2025 legislative session are now open, according to Lake County legislators.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 27, 2024) – Applications to intern with Indiana House Republicans for the 2025 legislative session are now open, according to Porter County legislators.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2024) – Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday ceremonially signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) to crack down on misleading political ads.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 7, 2024) – Porter County lawmakers encourage families with students who have disabilities to apply for Indiana's Education Scholarship Account before the Sept. 1 deadline.

STATEHOUSE (July 11, 2024) – Porter County legislators recently received appointments to serve on interim study committees, which will meet throughout the summer and fall to explore policy issues and work together to identify solutions.

STATEHOUSE (July 11, 2024) – Lake County legislators recently received appointments to serve on interim study committees, which will meet throughout the summer and fall to explore policy issues and work together to identify solutions.

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

STATEHOUSE (June 27, 2024) – As summer kicks off in Indiana, local lawmakers want Hoosiers to know about a wide range of new state laws taking effect July 1.

STATEHOUSE (May 17, 2024) – Local lawmakers encourage high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials to apply for a Career Scholarship Account.

STATEHOUSE (May 14, 2024) – Local lawmakers encourage high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials to apply for a Career Scholarship Account.

Note to the Press: Please include the following statements from local legislators on the recent opening of the new expansion and renovation to the historic South Shore Line, connecting Northwest Indiana to Chicago. The two-year, $650 million project added a second track line between Michigan City and Gary, significantly reducing travel times, and constructed new platforms while improving safety and functionality at existing stations. The project funding came from federal, state and local funds and expanded 26 miles of track in Lake, Porter and LaPorte counties to service 53 trains to and from Chicago.

STATEHOUSE (April 24, 2024) – A new public notification similar to Indiana's Amber Alert will soon help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans thanks to efforts supported by Porter County legislators.

STATEHOUSE (April 24, 2024) – A new public notification similar to Indiana's Amber Alert will soon help first responders locate missing and at-risk veterans thanks to efforts supported by Lake County legislators. 

Note to the Press: Please include the following statements from local legislators on the recent announcement of $45 million from the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative, or READI 2.0, awarded to Northwest Indiana. The Indiana General Assembly supported the funding in the state's two-year budget during the 2023 legislative session. Indiana's $500 million total investment in this round of funding is expected to yield nearly $11 billion in overall investments from public and private sources to increase the vibrancy and prosperity of Hoosier communities.

STATEHOUSE (April 11, 2024) – Porter County and Valparaiso can roll forward with road and bridge projects thanks to a recent boost in state funding supported by local legislators.

STATEHOUSE (April 11, 2024) – Lake County communities can roll forward with road and bridge projects thanks to a recent boost in state funding supported by local legislators.

STATEHOUSE (March 26, 2024) – The governor recently signed State Rep. Julie Olthoff's (R-Crown Point) legislation into law to crack down on political deepfakes advertisements being used to spread misinformation in elections.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 29, 2024) – Lake County natives Amanda Schreiber and Sydney Weiner are gaining experience as interns with State Reps. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron), Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and their fellow members of the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2024 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 26, 2024) – Porter County native Isabel Blaney is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and her fellow members of the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2024 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 15, 2024) – The Indiana House of Representatives advanced State Rep. Julie Olthoff's (R-Crown Point) legislation to identify ways to help more low-income Hoosiers with intellectual disabilities access in-home care options.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 26, 2024) – The Indiana House of Representatives advanced State Rep. Julie Olthoff's (R-Crown Point) legislation to protect voters from deepfake political advertisements, which she says is growing in popularity online and undermining election integrity.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 16, 2024) – State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) recently honored Crown Point resident and former city council member Carol Drasga with the Circle of Corydon Award.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 4, 2024) – Porter County lawmakers invite Hoosier students to sign up and experience a day serving as a House page at the Indiana Statehouse during the 2024 legislative session. 

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 18, 2023) – With Indiana's lawmakers set to return to the Statehouse on Jan. 8 for the start of the 2024 legislative session, State Reps. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) and Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) released an online survey to gather constituents' feedback on important issues.

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 15, 2023) – With Indiana's lawmakers set to return to the Statehouse on Jan. 8 for the start of the 2024 legislative session, Porter County legislators released online surveys to gather constituents' feedback on important issues.

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 8, 2023) – Significant state funding is in route to Porter County communities to help complete road and bridge projects, according to area legislators.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 4, 2023) – Lake County legislators encourage Hoosier voters to register or check their voting status by the Oct. 10 deadline.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 4, 2023) – Porter County legislators encourage Hoosier voters to register or check their voting status by the Oct. 10 deadline.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 3, 2023) – Northwest Indiana legislators encourage Hoosier voters to register or check their voting status by the Oct. 10 deadline.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 3, 2023) – State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville) encourage Hoosier voters to register or check their voting status by the Oct. 10 deadline.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 18, 2023) – Northwest Indiana lawmakers encourage local high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials outside the classroom to apply for the state's newly launched Career Scholarship Account program.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 15, 2023) – Lake County lawmakers encourage local high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials outside the classroom to apply for the state's newly launched Career Scholarship Account program.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 15, 2023) – Porter County lawmakers encourage local high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials outside the classroom to apply for the state's newly launched Career Scholarship Account program.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 15, 2023) – State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville) encourage local high school students who want to pursue work-based learning and credentials outside the classroom to apply for the state's newly launched Career Scholarship Account program.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 8, 2023) – Porter County lawmakers are seeking interns to join them at the Statehouse during the 2024 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 1, 2023) – Northwest Indiana lawmakers are seeking interns to join them at the Statehouse during the 2024 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 6, 2023) – Local lawmakers are seeking interns to join them at the Statehouse during the 2024 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 7, 2023) – State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville) are seeking interns to join them at the Statehouse during the 2024 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (July 24, 2023) – Northwest Indiana legislators recently received interim study committee appointments and will take a deep dive into issues facing Hoosiers as they prepare for the next legislative session in January.

New state laws supporting Hoosiers and backed by State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) during the 2023 legislative session are now in effect.

Hoosier military members are set to receive much-needed tax relief thanks to a new law supported by State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville).

Hoosier military members are set to receive much-needed tax relief thanks to a new law supported by State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso).

We all know the classic refrain from Field of Dreams: “If you build it, they will come.” And while this year’s NCAA baseball tournament is peppered with Hoosier representation, I’m not reciting that quote for baseball purposes. It turns out that this line is the embodiment of the work the Indiana General Assembly has done to position our state as a top destination for workers and families.

Gov. Eric Holcomb (seated, center) ceremonially signs into law legislation co-authored by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) (first row standing, third from right) to launch a biomonitoring pilot program to screen Hoosier firefighters for cancer-linked chemicals called PFAS Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.

A pair of bills looking to smoke out cancer and spread awareness among Indiana's firefighters are now law, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point).

State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) recently welcomed Porter County students to the Statehouse where they participated in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2023 legislative session.

Indiana's foster families are among our greatest unsung heroes as they continuously give of themselves, their homes and their love to support our most vulnerable children. They answer the call because they have a passion for helping those who have nowhere else to turn. I'm humbled by the incredible work they do and that’s why I want to ensure Indiana continues to step up and support them, and our foster youth.

Local communities are set to receive over $12.9 million to complete much-needed road projects, according to Lake, LaPorte and Porter County legislators.

Local communities are set to receive over $4.5 million to complete much-needed road projects, according to State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso).

Local communities are set to receive over $7.9 million to complete much-needed road projects, according to State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville).

The Indiana Senate voted Monday in support of State Rep. Julie Olthoff's (R-Crown Point) legislation helping spread awareness about dangerous chemicals in firefighting gear that could cause cancer, sending the legislation to the governor where it could soon be signed into law.

The Indiana House of Representatives advanced legislation supported by Northwest Indiana lawmakers that would expand work-based learning opportunities in high schools around the state.

The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced legislation supported by State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville) to expand work-based learning opportunities in high schools around the state.

The Indiana House of Representatives today voted unanimously to advance legislation co-authored by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) that would launch a biomonitoring pilot program to screen Hoosier firefighters for cancer-linked chemicals called PFAS.

The Indiana House of Representatives today voted unanimously to advance State Rep. Julie Olthoff's (R-Crown Point) legislation that would help spread awareness about harmful, cancer-linked chemicals used to make firefighting gear.

State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville) invite local students to spend a day serving as a House page at the Indiana Statehouse during the 2023 legislative session.

Starting a career is a top priority for college graduates and soon-to-be graduates. Internships are not only a great way for young Hoosiers to expand their professional connections and gain hands-on experience, which can really set them apart from other jobseekers. That's why I encourage local students looking for a rewarding and unique internship to apply with Indiana House Republicans for the 2023 legislative session.

Northwest Indiana lawmakers issued the following statements in response to the U.S. Supreme Court reversing its decision on Roe v. Wade and returning the issue of abortion back to the states. State legislators are expected to take action to further protect life when they return to the Statehouse for a special session. Gov. Eric Holcomb recently announced his call for lawmakers to reconvene on July 6 and provide $1 billion in inflation relief to Hoosier taxpayers due to higher-than-expected revenue collections. Details of the special session have not yet been announced. Updates will be posted to the Indiana General Assembly's website at iga.in.gov.

STATEHOUSE (April 19, 2022) – Local communities will receive more than $8.4 million in state matching grants for road and bridge improvement projects, according to Northwest Indiana lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (March 31, 2022) – More Hoosier mothers will receive important medical coverage before and after the births of their babies under a new law supported by State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron).

STATEHOUSE (March 23, 2022) – Northwest Indiana lawmakers recently welcomed local students to the Statehouse where they participated in the Indiana House Page Program.

STATEHOUSE (March 15, 2022) – Artwork by a local artist will soon be displayed at the Statehouse, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point).  

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 25, 2022) – Hobart High School graduate Jack Huber is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and her fellow members of the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2022 legislative session. 

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 21, 2022) – Lake County lawmakers are looking forward to local communities tackling health challenges like diabetes and obesity through a new state grant they helped create.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 9, 2022) – State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and State Sen. Rick Niemeyer (R-Lowell) invite Lake County residents to a legislative update meeting on Saturday, Feb. 12 in Crown Point.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2022) – The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously supported legislation recently authored by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) to establish the Achieving a Better Life Experience 529A savings tax credit to help Hoosiers with disabilities.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 24, 2022) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted unanimously in support today of legislation to protect young human trafficking victims and strengthen criminal penalties against perpetrators, according to State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron).

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 21, 2022) – The Indiana House of Representatives today advanced legislation supporting Hoosier nurses and aimed at alleviating the state's severe nursing shortage, according to State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville).

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 13, 2021) – State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) was recently appointed vice chair of the House Public Health Committee.

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 1, 2021) – State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) announced today that she is co-authoring legislation to help end the statewide public health emergency and protect Hoosier workers.

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 3, 2021) – Northwest Indiana counties and communities will receive more than $12 million in state matching grants to steer toward much-needed road improvement projects, according to local lawmakers.  

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 26, 2021) – Northwest Indiana lawmakers recently presented a Sagamore of the Wabash award to former Lake Court House Foundation President Marty Wheeler.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 20, 2021) — Nontraditional female students in Indiana can apply for a scholarship through the Political Organization for Women's Education and Representation before the Nov. 15 deadline, according Northwest Indiana lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 16, 2021) – State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville) urge Hoosiers in Lake County to join the thousands who are already taking advantage of Indiana's Next Level Jobs certificate program to skill up at no cost and obtain a higher-paying job.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 16, 2021) – Northwest Indiana lawmakers urge Hoosiers to join the thousands who are already taking advantage of Indiana's Next Level Jobs certificate program to skill up at no cost and obtain a higher-paying job.

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

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 9, 2021) – State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) on Aug. 5, 2021 presented Merrillville resident Brian Rock an Outstanding Hoosier Award for delivering good-will to others in need.

STATEHOUSE (June 25, 2021) –  State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) recently received an appointment to serve as member of the Interim Study Committee on Child Services.

STATEHOUSE (June 25, 2021) – Northwest Indiana legislators recently received appointments to serve on interim study committees.

STATEHOUSE (June 9, 2021) – Legislation establishing a state health improvement plan and a $50 million grant program targeting Hoosiers' most critical health challenges is now law, according to Northwest Indiana lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (May 28, 2021) – Local students preparing to become teachers are among this year's recipients of the state's Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to Northwest Indiana lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (May 25, 2021) – A bill breaking down barriers for young, low-income workers looking to obtain in-demand job skills is now law, according to Northwest Indiana lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (May 7, 2021) – Legislation supporting jobs, employers and economic recovery by investing $60 million to expand the Hoosier Hospitality Small Business Restart Grant Program is now law, according to Northwest Indiana lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (April 29, 2021) – Indiana recently awarded more than $8.8 million in state matching grants to local communities for road and bridge improvements, according to Northwest Indiana lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (April 23, 2021) – State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville) recently volunteered at the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana to help distribute food items to local families in need.

STATEHOUSE (April 15, 2021) – Legislation expanding telehealth services for Hoosiers and cutting red tape for health care providers could soon be law, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point).

STATEHOUSE (March 16, 2021) – Legislation sponsored by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) to improve sexual assault investigations across the state could soon be law.

STATEHOUSE (March 8, 2021) — With the pandemic continuing to take a toll on mental health, Northwest Indiana lawmakers encourage Hoosiers to turn to Indiana's Be Well Crisis Helpline, a free and confidential resource already helping thousands of people across the state.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 26, 2021) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently supported legislation co-authored by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) to help combat human trafficking and expand protections for young Hoosier victims.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2021) – A bill establishing a new public health grant program took a step forward Monday with the support of the House Public Health Committee, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point).

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 21, 2020) – Lake County lawmakers were recently appointed to several House standing committees and leadership positions.

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 10, 2020) – Lake County and the town of Winfield recently received a combined total of nearly $2 million in state matching grants for road and bridge improvements, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point).  

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 18, 2020) – Julie Olthoff of Crown Point took the oath of office Tuesday to serve as state representative for House District 19.

I am so proud to represent the people of House District 19 in the great Northwest Indiana Region. The richness we share in our communities can be seen in our ethnic diversity and the variety of our land. There is no other place like our home.

We celebrate our many cultures here during some of the best festivals and weddings held anywhere. We experience different customs all the time and love to share recipes for pastries, perogies, Lake Perch and many more. Our schools have become melting pots as a result of the people flocking here over the last 100 years for job opportunities. Our area churches teach us to be loving and generous and a neighbor to everyone.

Nearly two years ago, Riley Knight pulled over to help Linda Darlington out of a ditch where her car went off the road in Crown Point. This selfless act became a tragedy when both Knight and Darlington were struck and killed by oncoming traffic. Unfortunately, this incident is not rare, as a similar accident took place this past August in our community.

Recently, I received a letter from Maya Toma, an 11-year-old student from Crown Point. She is friends with Knight’s child and has seen firsthand how his family has suffered. Toma wrote me a letter about her idea of encouraging the public to keep two reflective vests in their cars in order to be more visible to traffic if and when they leave their cars.

Dear Friends,

The 2016 legislative session is here and I would like your feedback on several important issues.

I am committed to keeping the momentum going this session as we work toward developing a responsible, comprehensive and sustainable plan to maintain and improve our transportation infrastructure.

I have exciting news! Throughout the upcoming weeks I am hosting two different events within our community. 

Public Forum

Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 10 a.m. (CST)  

Hobart City Hall

Council Chambers, 2nd Floor

Hobart 

Launch NWI 

Friday, Jan. 22 at 11:15 (CST)

Session 1: Meet Indiana's Connections to Contracts & No Cost Consulting

Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza

800 E. 81st Ave.

Merrillville

Dear friends,

Congratulations, Jonas E. Salk Elementary! I am proud to share that they were recently named a Family Friendly School by the Indiana Department of Education.

The school was selected for their success in addressing the needs of students while fostering family and community involvement in education. In 2014, the Family Friendly Schools program was launched in response to the correlation found between active parental and local involvement, and the growth, stability and academic achievement of Hoosier students.

‘I hear shots’ is one of the most frequent phone calls Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) receives at our local office. As development continues within Winfield, residents often hear gunshots from nearby hunters and are concerned by how close the shots are to populated areas. Lt. Thomas Torsell Jr., a local DNR commander, asked to meet so he could discuss how our community can address issues regarding hunting practices, nuisance animals, and all-terrain vehicles.

Now that we are well into the summer months, I am pleased to announce that Senator Niemeyer and I are hosting a public forum to answer questions about this past legislative session as well as hear any questions or concerns that you may have. 

I recently had the opportunity to attend two ceremonial bill signings for legislation that I advocated for throughout session. One bill was Senate Enrolled Act 94 which works to provide additional opportunities for rape victims and ensure justice can be fairly served.

My primary goal as your state representative is to promote progress in Lake County by listening and responding to the needs of my constituents. A common concern I have heard is that it takes too long to receive a state building permit, so I decided to look into this and learn what was being done to help permit approvals move through the process in a timelier manner.

These past four months have flown by, and I am pleased with this session's accomplishments. As you may know, this was a long session dedicated to crafting and passing the state's biennial budget. Within the budget, we were able to fund many programs that benefit Hoosier students, teachers and taxpayers. 

It's hard to believe that the last two weeks of session are here. Representing our community at the Statehouse has been very rewarding. With the last day we can conduct our work on April 29, I wanted to take this opportunity to explain the process and what the next two weeks will be like at the Statehouse. 

STATEHOUSE – With a resolution in the House Chamber, State Representative Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) honored 10-year-old Mackenzie Williams for her devotion to helping others. For the past two years on her birthday, instead of asking for presents, the Crown Point resident has raised money and donated items to Haven House, an emergency shelter for domestic violence victims and their families.

I am excited to say a bill I co-sponsored to designate the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (NILEA) as a criminal justice agency and make it a board certified training center passed unanimously out of the House.

When it comes to creating jobs in Northwest Indiana, it is essential to support legislation that promotes economic growth. This session, I supported several bills working toward this goal.

This session, I co-authored several bills that improve the quality of life for Hoosier families. This includes increasing funding to $5M per year for domestic violence treatment and prevention as well as $1M per year for sexual assault victim assistance.

This legislative session, I authored a bill to support and provide nonprofit organizations with more flexibility over their charity events. Under House Bill 1435, charities will be able to give or auction sealed alcohol beverages as prizes without obtaining a permit. This bill passed 92-6 out of the House and now moves onto the Senate for further discussion.

Currently, wine baskets and other alcohol beverages were not allowed to be prizes at auctions. This restriction has caused local events in Lake County, such as the Rotary's Clothing Our Children event, to be canceled.

Alcohol beverages can be big ticket items for charity auctions that draw in donations and can now be auctioned up to four times a year without a permit. As more people participate in these auctions, more funds can be raised for charities and their worthy causes.

The most rewarding part of being a state representative is finding solutions to benefit my community and state. Nonprofits use charity events as a way to raise awareness and better communities, and I am pleased to have authored legislation that will allow them to raise funds in the way they believe is most effective.

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) authored legislation to support nonprofit organizations and provide them more flexibility over their charity events. House Bill (HB) 1435 would allow nonprofits to give away or auction alcoholic beverages as prizes at gaming charity events without obtaining an alcoholic beverage permit. The bill passed out of the House with a vote of 92-6.

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Cindy Kirchhofer (R-Beech Grove) authored House Bill (HB) 1007, Domestic violence prevention and treatment, to support Indiana’s domestic violence programs. One of the priorities of the House Republican legislative agenda is to address some of the public safety concerns impacting Indiana, particularly in the area of domestic violence. The bill was co-authored by State Reps. Julie Olthoff and Dave Frizzell, HB 1007 passed unanimously out of the Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee today.

Education has always been a top priority for the House Republicans. More than 50 percent of our state's biennial budget is allotted to fund kindergarten through 12th grade. As a part of this year's budget, we will work to focus more dollars on the classroom and fix the school funding formula.

To better understand the funding formula, it's important to learn how we currently appropriate funds to our schools. The first step is to establish the foundation amount or the starting point for the funding formula. The foundation amount is essentially the minimum guarantee for each student and is currently $4,587 per student for fiscal year 2015.

From the foundation amount, adjustments are made for several variables including the number of low-income students; the number of special education students; the number of career and technical education students; and the number of honors diplomas awarded.

After the foundation is applied, the complexity index is used to increase the funding for low-income students. In the 2013 budget bill, the complexity index focused on students receiving free and reduced lunch for the first part of the biennium and then switched to focusing on students receiving free textbooks.

As an advocate for education, I am pleased that nearly $500,000 in grants have been made available by the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning and Early Learning Indiana. These grants can be applied for by any Lake County program or facility that participates, or agrees to participate, in the On My Way Pre-K Pilot Program. Applications for grants are due February 15 and can be found here, along with information about the On My Way Pre-K Program. 

Please contact my office if you have any questions about the funding formula, education or any other concern. I appreciate any input and feedback I receive as I represent our community.

The 2015 legislative session is officially underway, and we are off to a great start. I encourage you to get involved over the next four months, and there are a number of ways you can do this.

A good place to begin is on the Indiana General Assembly website. On this site, you can watch a live video feed of committee meetings, debates and as I vote for legislation on the House floor. You can also find information about my committee assignments and legislation I'm working on.

Today, more people are using social media as a means to access information. I encourage you to follow the Indiana House Republicans on Twitter @INHouseGOP. You can also find information about current events, state government and happenings in our community on all of our social media sites, which are listed below.

I'm very excited about the launch of the Indiana House Republicans new, user-friendly website. Click here to view my page where you will find my biography, a downloadable headshot, constituent resources and how to sign up for my e-newsletters.

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) congratulates several local schools that were awarded teacher performance grants by the state. For the first time in Indiana history, grants will be presented to teachers rated either effective or highly effective as a bonus.

STATEHOUSE - House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) announced committee assignments and leadership appointments for the Indiana House Republican Caucus.

State Representative Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) has been appointed to the Government and Regulatory Reform; Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development; and Family, Children and Human Affairs committees.

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) will host two meet and greet events on Saturday, Dec. 6. Both events will be hosted as open forums allowing constituents in attendance to ask questions and speak with Rep. Olthoff. The media is welcome to attend.

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) was sworn into office on Organization Day, which marks the first official meeting of the 119th General Assembly. Rep. Olthoff was elected to represent House District 19, which includes portions of Lake County.

“I am excited by my new role as a state legislator and look forward to representing my community at the Statehouse,” said Rep. Olthoff. “I will do my best to create a better, stronger Northwest Indiana and ensure that the thoughts and viewpoints of my constituents are heard down in Indianapolis.”