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.

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 10, 2018) – Three Northwest Indiana schools were among the seven honored Tuesday, Oct. 2, by the Indiana Department of Education for receiving a 2018 National Blue Ribbon School Award, according to Region lawmakers. George Bibich Elementary School in Dyer, Solon Robinson Elementary School in Crown Point and Thomas Jefferson

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 28, 2018) — Northwest Indiana lawmakers urge current high school seniors planning to pursue a degree in education to apply for the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship. “Indiana is fortunate to be home to so many great educators,” said State Rep. Douglas Gutwein (R-Francesville). “Often, it is great

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 15, 2018) — With students and educators heading back to the classroom, State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) said many new laws impact local school districts. “Legislators worked hard this past session to provide new ways to help our teachers and students,” Olthoff said. “As new technology emerges and safety

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 13, 2018) — State Reps. Mike Aylesworth (R-Hebron) and Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) on Thursday at the Porter Township School Board meeting honored the Boone Grove Wolves baseball team for their state championship title. The Wolves clinched the IHSAA Class 2A state championship after edging the Southridge High School Raiders 5-4 at

STATEHOUSE (July 31, 2018) — Northwest Indiana lawmakers invite local college students and recent graduates to apply for an internship with the House of Representatives for the 2019 legislative session, which begins in January. State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) said the House Republican Internship Program is a unique opportunity for college

STATEHOUSE (July 10, 2018) — State Reps. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and Hal Slager (R-Schererville) remind motorists of two new laws that recently went into effect to keep Indiana roadways safe. “Under a new law, fire departments can now offer free vehicle emissions tests to Hoosier drivers,” Olthoff said. “Since carbon monoxide

STATEHOUSE (June 20, 2018) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) was recently selected to serve on the Interim Study Committee on Commerce and Economic Development. In the upcoming months, the committee will examine the best way to maximize the underutilized economic resources of Gary, Indiana. “Summer study committees give us the

STATEHOUSE (June 14, 2018) — The Indiana Department of Education on Tuesday awarded Crown Point High School for student success on AP exams for the 2016-2017 school year, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). During the 2018 Indiana AP Recognition Ceremony, the DOE and College Board recognized more than 70 schools for having 25

It seems like we see a tragic story in the national news every week about someone who has taken their own life. Suicide can be a difficult topic to discuss, but these stories shed light on a serious problem that has no boundaries. We hope that no one is ever in a situation where they feel that suicide is the only option, but many often are. That is why it

STATEHOUSE (March 22, 2018) — Artwork by a local artist will soon be on display at the Statehouse, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). Olthoff said Edda Taylor of Crown Point was selected to have her artwork decorate the Statehouse as part of Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch’s Hoosier Women Artists 2018 initiative. “Edda is

STATEHOUSE (March 14, 2018) — Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed State Rep. Julie Olthoff’s (R-Crown Point) bill into law that will create additional commonsense safety requirements for child care providers. Olthoff’s measure will require applicants for a state child care facility license to provide proof of a business permit or license

STATEHOUSE (March 1, 2018) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) honored Jerome Flewelling yesterday at the Statehouse with a resolution recognizing him as the 2018 Indiana Teacher of the Year. Flewelling, who teaches AP physics, mechanics and chemistry at Crown Point High School, has been teaching for 21 years. Flewelling is also the chairman

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 19, 2018) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff’s (R-Crown Point) bill that creates additional commonsense safety requirements for child care providers is headed to the governor’s desk. Olthoff’s measure would require applicants for a state child care facility license to provide proof of a business permit or license from their

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 6, 2018) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) and State Sen. Rick Niemeyer (R-Lowell) will host a town hall meeting on Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Crown Point Library. Olthoff said this legislative session, House lawmakers are focused on addressing K-12 funding, strengthening Indiana’s workforce, attacking the opioid

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 2018) — The House of Representatives yesterday unanimously passed State Rep. Julie Olthoff’s (R-Crown Point) bill that creates additional commonsense safety requirements for child care providers. Olthoff’s measure would require child care facility applicants to provide proof of a business permit or license from their

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 8, 2018) — Applications are open for students interested in participating in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2018 legislative session, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Merrilville). Pages have an opportunity to join Olthoff during the legislative session and tour the governor’s office, the Indiana Supreme

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 3, 2017) – State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) was recognized today as the 2017 Legislator of the Year by the Indiana School Counselor Association for her legislation supporting youth suicide prevention. “School counselors have a unique opportunity to influence the lives of young people,” Olthoff said. “Being

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 20, 2017) – Applications to intern with the Indiana House Republicans during the 2018 legislative session are due Oct. 31, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). The House Republican Internship Program offers paid, spring-semester internships at the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis. These are full-time

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 20, 2017) — Local communities will receive state matching grants to improve roads and bridges, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). More than $150 million was awarded to Indiana cities, towns and counties through the Community Crossings grant program, which is now in its second year. The grants are available

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 7, 2017) — The Indiana Suicide Prevention Network Advisory Council (ISPNAC) helped mark September as Suicide Prevention Month by honoring two Indiana legislators. Co-chair of ISPNAC Alice Jordan-Miles presented State Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) and State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) with 2017 Suicide Prevention Policy

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 21, 2017) – Hoosier job seekers now have access to new resources to find better-paying jobs thanks to the recently launched Next Level Jobs initiative, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). Olthoff said while Indiana’s unemployment rate is near record low, employers in high-need, high-wage fields are searching

STATEHOUSE (July 20, 2017) – State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) is asking Hoosier employers to help identify duplicative or redundant state reporting requirements using a new online portal. “As a small-business owner, I know that redundant state reporting requirements can cause unnecessary paperwork with a result of lost work time,”

STATEHOUSE (July 6, 2017) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) was recently selected to serve on the Interim Study Committee on Commerce and Economic Development. She said the committee will examine assigned topics, gather testimonies and recommend potential legislation for the 2018 legislative session. “We will be studying the

STATEHOUSE (May 18, 2017) — Local students planning to pursue a career in education are among the recipients of this year’s Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarship, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). Olthoff supported legislation creating this scholarship program last year to help incentivize top-performing students to

PREVENTING YOUTH SUICIDES: Gov. Eric Holcomb (seated, center) on Tuesday at the Statehouse signs into law a measure authored by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (seated, left) to decrease the number of youth suicides in Indiana. The Crown Point lawmaker led efforts to provide suicide prevention training to school staff and health care providers. It also provides

STATEHOUSE (May 2, 2017) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Pointe) recently welcomed student pages to the Statehouse. As a House page, these participants toured government offices, helped staff with daily duties and joined Olthoff on the House floor during the legislative session: Jasmine Collins, from Merrillville, attends Merrillville High

STATEHOUSE (May 1, 2017) — Legislation creating a statewide domestic violence fatality review committee was signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb, according to author State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). “Domestic violence continues to be a global issue that reaches across socio-economic, cultural and racial distinctions,” Olthoff

STATEHOUSE (April 28, 2017) — Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed into law a proposal authored by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) to decrease the number of youth suicides in Indiana. “My hope with this law is to prevent suicides by raising awareness,” Olthoff said. “It breaks my heart to hear stories about people losing hope

STATEHOUSE (April 10, 2017) — Gov. Eric Holcomb today signed into law a bill supported by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) to reduce the number of cervical cancer deaths in Indiana. According to the Indiana Cancer Consortium, approximately 250 new cervical cancer cases and 86 cervical cancer-related deaths occur annually among women in

STATEHOUSE (March 8, 2017) – State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) today teamed up with fellow legislators and Habitat for Humanity of Indiana to formally kick off the General Assembly’s first-ever home build on Statehouse grounds. “It was wonderful to work on a project where we could see immediate results,” Olthoff said.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 21, 2017) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff’s (R-Crown Point) proposal that would create a statewide domestic violence fatality review committee passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives today. “In 2003, legislation was written that would allow counties to establish a domestic violence fatality review team,”

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 16, 2017) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff’s (R-Crown Point) proposal that would better connect birth parents in Indiana with Hoosier adoption experts passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives today. Under current law, Indiana adoption agencies are limited to advertising in telephone directories. This results in many

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 14, 2017) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff’s (R-Crown Point) proposal that would require school employees to attend or participate in youth-suicide awareness and prevention training passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives. The law would require at least two hours of youth suicide awareness and prevention training every two

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 8, 2017) — The House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code today advanced State Rep. Julie Olthoff’s (R-Crown Point) proposal that would connect birth parents in Indiana with Hoosier adoption experts. Many birth parents facing the difficult decision of giving up a child often find an adoption agency through an advertisement.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2017) — The House Committee on Education today advanced State Rep. Julie Olthoff’s (R-Crown Point) proposal that would require school employees to attend or participate in two hours of youth-suicide awareness and prevention training every two years. “This bill is patterned after the Jason Flatt Act,” Olthoff

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 28, 2016) — Applications are now open for students interested in participating in the Indiana House Page Program, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). While at the Statehouse, House pages spend the day touring the House and Senate chambers, the Indiana Supreme Court and governor’s office. They also observe the

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 16, 2016) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) was recently selected to serve on the House Committee on Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development. She was also named to the House Committee on Family, Children and Human Affairs and the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Public Safety. “Working within our

Earlier this year, I nominated Lowell resident James Chancellor to be inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame because he has a passion for helping veterans by educating people about post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that a person may develop after experiencing or witnessing an extreme, overwhelming traumatic

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 22, 2016) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) joined fellow legislators at the Statehouse today for the Indiana General Assembly’s Organization Day. Organization Day occurs annually in November. State lawmakers use the day to gather together, meet new members and prepare for the upcoming legislative session. Following

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 27, 2016) — Today, the State Budget Committee released funds for the I-65 Northwest Indiana Major Moves 2020 expansion project, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). New travel lanes will be added to I-65 from State Road 2 at mile marker 240, north to U.S. Highway 231 at mile marker 247. The project will also include

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 20, 2016) – State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) is hosting a workshop with Jim Chancellor about post-traumatic stress disorder. The program will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, at the American Legion Post 20, 1401 N. Main St., in Crown Point. It is free and open to the public. Chancellor, a Lowell resident, is a U.S. Army

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 7, 2016) – Minority female students pursuing a degree in engineering can apply for a unique college scholarship opportunity, according to State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point). The Political Organization for Women’s Education and Representation (POWER) Caucus is collaborating with Enbridge Energy Company to provide $5,000 to

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 27, 2016 STATEHOUSE (Sept. 27, 2016) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) announces that Lowell resident James Chancellor will soon be inducted into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame. Chancellor, 66, is a U.S. Army

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Aug. 19, 2016 WHO: State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) WHAT: Open office hours in House District 19 WHEN AND WHERE: Friday, Aug. 26 10 to 10:45 a.m. Hobart Branch of Lake County Public Library 100 N. Main St. Hobart 1:30 to

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 12, 2016) – State Reps. Mike Aylesworth (R-Hebron) and Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) honored the Boone Grove Wolves softball team at the Porter Township school board meeting Thursday for their successful season. The Wolves were the IHSAA Class 2A state runners-up for the second consecutive year. Led by head coach Ron Saunders, Boone

STATEHOUSE (June 23, 2016) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) will be serving on the Interim Study Committee on Commerce and Economic Development. In preparation for the 2017 legislative session, which begins in January, interim study committee members meet to examine assigned topics, gather testimonies and identify potential legislation.

STATEHOUSE (March 29, 2016) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) recently welcomed the following student pages to the Statehouse: Annie Kielpikowski, from Crown Point, attends Taft Middle School; Mac Magiera, from Hebron, attends Boone Grove High School; and Zac Magiera, from Hebron, attends Boone Grove Middle School. As a House page, these

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 21, 2016 Olthoff’s legislation helping Hoosiers with disabilities signed into law STATEHOUSE (March 21, 2016) – Gov. Mike Pence today signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown

Help put a stop to domestic violence Sadly, we are once again learning of more incidences of domestic violence as we turn on the local news. It’s a good idea to learn more about the issue because you may need to help a friend or a loved one in a bad situation. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), domestic violence

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 17, 2016 Rep. Olthoff: Local resident gaining experience with the legislature STATEHOUSE (Feb. 17, 2016) – Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) welcomes local resident, Aaron Storer, to the Statehouse where he is

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 5, 2016 Rep. Olthoff welcomes student page to the Statehouse STATEHOUSE (FEB. 5, 2016) — State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) recently welcomed the following student

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Feb. 2, 2016 Olthoff’s bill reallocating funds for sexual assault victims advances STATEHOUSE (Feb. 2, 2016) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted unanimously today in support of State Rep. Julie Olthoff’s

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 27, 2016 Committee pushes Olthoff’s bills forward STATEHOUSE (Jan. 27, 2016) – The

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.”