Mike Karickhoff

STATEHOUSE (May 24, 2021) – A bill breaking down barriers for young, low-income workers looking to obtain in-demand job skills is now law, according to State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo). 

STATEHOUSE (May 13, 2021) – Legislation establishing a state health improvement plan and a $50 million grant program is now law, according to State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).  

STATEHOUSE (May 4, 2021) – Indiana recently awarded more than $664,000 in state matching grants to local communities for road and bridge improvements, according to Grant County lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (May 4, 2021) – Howard County and the city of Kokomo was recently awarded nearly $1.6 million in state matching grants for road and bridge improvements, according to State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo). 

STATEHOUSE (April 14, 2021) – State Rep. Mike Karickhoff's (R-Kokomo) bill to help Indiana car manufacturers prepare to develop electric vehicles could soon be law.

STATEHOUSE (March 31, 2021) — Kokomo resident Ely Page is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and his fellow members of the Indiana House of Representatives during the 2021 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (March 24, 2021) – "Governor Holcomb has done a great job leading Indiana through this pandemic with thoughtful and methodical action. He laid out a clear road map Tuesday that shows our way out of this public health crisis that gives power back to local governments, so they can determine the best way to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 based on their data. This plan strikes a proper balance by lifting certain restrictions in the coming weeks, while continuing the state's public health emergency to ensure Indiana can continue to have access to federal dollars, which will be instrumental in helping some of our hardest hit Hoosiers," Karickhoff said.

 "Like many in our community, I am happy that an end to the statewide mask mandate and capacity restrictions will come in the next few weeks. We are now more than a year into this public health crisis, and our COVID-19 metrics continue to move in an encouraging direction. With this progress and more vaccines heading to our state, locals are well prepared to mitigate the effects of the virus based on their own unique data," VanNatter said.

STATEHOUSE (March 17, 2021) — Hoosiers seeking a better-paying job can use the state's new Hoosier Talent Network website to match to 1 of more than 135,000 job openings, according to State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (March 10, 2021) — Hoosiers working to pay down their student loans can receive free financial help to tackle their debt, according to State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (March 3, 2021) – A bill that would incorporate civics education into Hoosier students' middle school curriculum recently passed out of the Indiana House of Representatives, according to State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 18, 2021) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently approved State Rep. Mike Karickhoff's (R-Kokomo) bill, which would provide an additional yearly benefit to retired public employees and teachers along with a $50 increase.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 15, 2021) – On Thursday, the Indiana House of Representatives passed State Rep. Mike Karickhoff's (R-Kokomo) bill that could help Indiana become a leader in the growing electric vehicle industry.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 3, 2021) —The Indiana House of Representatives voted in favor of legislation that would establish the Hoosier Hospitality Small Business Restart Grant Program, which would support Indiana's jobs and economy, according to State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2021) – State Rep. Mike Karickhoff's (R-Kokomo) bill to address cybersecurity incidents among state agencies and local governments took a step forward Thursday after the House Government and Regulatory Reform Committee voted to approve it.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 21, 2021) —Indiana Grown recently launched the Shop Indiana Grown online marketplace connecting Hoosiers directly to local vendors and products, according to State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 15, 2020) – Local communities recently received more than $1 million in state matching grants for road and bridge improvements, according to Grant County lawmakers.  

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 9, 2020) – Kokomo recently received $1 million in state matching grants for road and bridge improvements, according to State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo).  

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 23, 2020) – State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) said time is running out for local students to apply for a paid internship with the Indiana House of Representatives in Indianapolis.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 18, 2020) – State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) encourage local college students and recent graduates looking to gain valuable work experience to apply online for a paid internship with the Indiana House of Representatives at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 4, 2020) — Projects expanding fast and reliable internet to unserved homes and businesses in Grant County can now move forward thanks to more than $283,000 in state broadband grants, according to area lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 6, 2020) – Grant County lawmakers encourage Hoosier small-business owners and entrepreneurs to apply for a program that provides direct technical support to help build their online presence.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 3, 2020) — Several Grant County businesses recently received the Governor’s Half Century or Century Business awards recognizing their longstanding service in the community, according to area lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (July 31, 2020) – State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) encourage Hoosier small-business owners and entrepreneurs to apply for a program a no cost that provides direct technical support to help build their online presence.

 STATEHOUSE (July  17, 2020) – Indiana is temporarily expanding its successful Next Level Jobs program through Dec. 30 to include more job seekers and employers, according to Grant County lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (July 15, 2020) – Indiana is temporarily expanding its successful Next Level Jobs program through Dec. 30 to include more jobseekers and employers, according to Howard County lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (June 22, 2020) – Starting July 1, Hoosiers cannot hold handheld cell phones or other electronic devices while driving unless calling 911, according to State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (June 19, 2020) – Area lawmakers encourage Hoosiers who may be struggling to make ends meet and needing food assistance to turn to the state's recently launched Operation Food program for help.  

STATEHOUSE (May 28, 2020) – Howard County and local communities are eligible for more than $4.6 million to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (May 28, 2020) – Grant County and local communities are eligible for more than $3.6 million to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to local lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (May 14, 2020) – Local small businesses and nonprofits can now utilize the state's new online marketplace to request personal protective equipment, according to State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (April 30, 2020) – State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) urge Hoosiers to be vigilant in protecting themselves against scams, which are surging during the public health pandemic.

STATEHOUSE (April 17, 2020) – With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, Grant County legislators said there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home. 

STATEHOUSE (April 13, 2020) – With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) said there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home.  

STATEHOUSE (April 1, 2020) – State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) encourage Hoosier workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to access recently expanded state and federal resources for help.

Note to the press: Please include the following statements from State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) in your coverage of Gov. Eric Holcomb’s announcement Thursday on his latest actions to address coronavirus and protect Hoosiers: 

Note to the Press: Please include the following statements from State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) in your coverage of the Fiat Chrysler Automobile's groundbreaking of its $400 million expansion and retooling of the Kokomo plant:

PHOTO CAPTION: State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) (left) fills a care package to donate to a veteran in need on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.

Photo Caption: (Left to right) State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) pair sneakers with their suits to help kick off February as National Cancer Prevention Month on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, at the Statehouse.

Note to the Press: Please include the following statements from State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) in your coverage of House Republicans selecting State Rep. Todd Huston (R-Fishers) as House speaker-elect:

STATEHOUSE (July 15, 2019) – A new law could spur more economic development and jobs in the local area, according to lawmakers.

STATEHOUSE (July 15, 2019) – Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed a bill into law co-authored by State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) helping save Hoosier taxpayer dollars.

STATEHOUSE (June 13, 2019) – State Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s (R-Kokomo) legislation aimed at expanding Indiana’s tourism industry and encouraging economic growth was ceremonially signed into law today at the Statehouse by Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Karickhoff worked with Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch on the legislation to establish the Indiana Destination Development Corp. as a joint public-private agency that will replace the current Office of Tourism Development, which Crouch oversees. The new corporation will assume all the tourism office’s previous responsibilities, including marketing the state domestically and abroad.

STATEHOUSE (May 14, 2019) – State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) recently received the Champion of First Steps Award from Indiana First Steps.

STATEHOUSE (April 25, 2019) – State Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s (R-Kokomo) legislation improving local government efficiency could soon become law.

Karickhoff worked with Accelerate Indiana Municipalities to modernize several local government processes. AIM advocates on behalf of towns throughout the state on important issues.

STATEHOUSE (April 10, 2019) – State Reps. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) and Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) honored the Northwestern High School girls basketball team Tuesday at the Statehouse for winning the Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 3A state championship.

STATEHOUSE (April 3, 2019) – The Indiana State Senate recently supported State Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s  (R-Kokomo) legislation to enhance Indiana’s tourism industry and encourage economic growth, which could soon become law.

Nearly 80 million people visited Indiana in 2017, generating $1.4 billion in state and local tax revenue. These increased earnings saved Hoosier households an average of $561. Under Karickhoff’s bill, the Indiana Destination Development Corp. would be established as a joint public-private agency, and replace the current Office of Tourism Development.

STATEHOUSE (April 2, 2019) — The Indiana Senate recently supported State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter’s (R-Kokomo) legislation that would permit the Howard County courts to appoint a magistrate to assist with cases.

STATEHOUSE (April 1, 2019) – A graduate of Eastern High School is gaining experience as an intern with State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and his fellow members of the House of Representatives during the 2019 legislative session.

Tristen Moyers, a resident of Greentown, is the son of Trever and Shelly Moyers. He attends Indiana University Kokomo where he is majoring in history and political science.

“I have learned so much during my time at the Statehouse,” Moyers said. “It is an honor to work in a building so rich in both political and architectural history.”

As a legislative intern, Moyers corresponds with constituents through phone calls, letters and emails while also staffing committee hearings and floor proceedings.

STATEHOUSE (March 27, 2019) – Local family farms were recently recognized at the Statehouse for being in operation for more than 100 years, according to local legislators.

The Alice L. Maish and Myron E. Maish Farm, located in Russiaville and in operation since 1860, received a Hoosier Homestead Sesquicentennial Award. The Peters Farm, located in Kokomo and in operation since 1908, received a Hoosier Homestead Centennial Award.

State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Ethan Manning (R-Denver) pair sneakers with their suits to draw attention to National Cancer Prevention Month Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2019, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Each year, the Indiana House of Representatives participates in the Suits and Sneakers challenge, an annual event hosted by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. According to the Indiana State Department of Health, cancer claims 37 Hoosier lives every day, but avoiding tobacco products, eating a healthy diet and maintaining an active lifestyle can help reduce the risk of the disease.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 13, 2019) — The Indiana House of Representatives supported State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter’s (R-Kokomo) legislation allowing Howard County courts to appoint a magistrate to assist with cases.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 12, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives supported legislation authored by State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) to increase state tourism and its economic impact.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 4, 2019) – State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) recently recognized the Indiana Region of the American Red Cross and its contributions to health and safety with a resolution at the Statehouse.

“For over 100 years, the Red Cross has provided support and assistance to Hoosiers during moments of need,” Karickhoff said. “From disaster relief efforts to supplying lifesaving blood and medical services, the Red Cross serves people who may have nowhere else to go.”

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently voted in support of State Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s (R-Kokomo) legislation focused on improving local government efficiency.

“After working with stakeholders, it became apparent there were several areas in Indiana Code that could be updated to better serve our cities and towns,” Karickhoff said. 

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 19, 2018) – Local lawmakers encourage students who want to learn more about state government to participate in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2019 legislative session.

STATEHOUSE (Dec. 6, 2018) — State Rep. Mike Karickhoff was appointed to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore, a leadership position in which he presides over official House proceedings when the Speaker of the House is temporarily unavailable.

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

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

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 16, 2018) — Family farms from Howard County in operation for 100 years or more were recently recognized at the Indiana State Fair, according to local legislators.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 2, 2018) – Indiana House Republicans are now accepting internship applications for the 2019 legislative session, which begins in January, according to State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (June 27, 2018) – Those in Howard County at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes can receive prevention assistance thanks to a new lifestyle change program, according to State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (April 4, 2018) — Gov. Eric Holcomb at the Statehouse signed legislation into law co-authored by State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) enhancing employment opportunities for Hoosier workers with disabilities.

STATEHOUSE (March 22, 2018) – State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) today at the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities 2018 Annual Conference in Indianapolis presented a Sagamore of the Wabash award to Jill Dunn for her leadership and service as president and CEO of Bona Vista Programs Inc.

STATEHOUSE (March 7, 2018) — State Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s (R-Kokomo) proposal to help local governments collect past-due debts is moving to the governor’s desk for his consideration as a new law.

STATEHOUSE (March 5, 2018) — State Reps. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) and Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) honored the Northwestern High School girls basketball team on Monday at the Statehouse for winning the Indiana High School Athletic Association Class 3A state championship.

RAISING AWARENESS: (From left to right) State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo), Kevin Mahan (R-Hartford City) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) pair sneakers with their suits on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, at the Statehouse in Indianapolis to draw attention to National Cancer Prevention Month. Each year, the Indiana House of Representatives participates in the Suits and Sneakers Challenge, an annual event sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. According to the Indiana State Department of Health, 102 new cancer cases are diagnosed every day.

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 6, 2018) — The House of Representatives recently voted in support of State Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s (R-Kokomo) bill that would allow the Indiana State Department of Health to issue a license for a hospital that has received accreditation from a nationally recognized accrediting organization.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 2018) — The House of Representatives today voted in support of State Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s (R-Kokomo) bill that would help local governments collect unresolved debts.

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 5, 2018) — The Kokomo Schools Corp. recently received a grant to expand early education programs, according to State Reps.  Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (Jan. 4, 2018) — Applications are open for students interested in participating in the Indiana House Page Program during the 2018 legislative session, according to State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo).

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 30, 2017) — State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) was recently named the 2017 Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities Legislator of the Year for his dedication to Hoosiers with disabilities.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 14, 2017) — Area legislators recently announced the latest recipients of the Hoosier Homestead award, which recognizes farms that have been owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.

STATEHOUSE (May 18, 2017) — State Reps. Bill Friend (R-Macy) and Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) honored First Farmers Bank and Trust President and CEO Gene Miles for his contributions to the agricultural banking community with a resolution on Thursday.

INDIANAPOLIS (Dec. 17, 2015) – State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) announced that the Statewide 911 Board unanimously approved a disbursement of 911 fees to local governments.

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 20, 2015) – House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) appointed State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) as Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore.

“I am humbled to serve as Deputy Speaker Pro Tempore,” Karickhoff said. “I look forward to the new responsibilities and challenges this leadership position will bring, and I’m excited for the opportunity to serve the Hoosier state in this role.”

STATEHOUSE (Oct. 16, 2015) – State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) today announced Indiana will pay off its federal unemployment loan early leading to significant savings for Hoosier businesses.

 The State Budget Committee voted today to authorize a $250 million repayment of a federal unemployment loan prior to the Nov. 10 deadline. Karickhoff, who serves as chairman of the House Budget Subcommittee, and VanNatter joined House Republicans earlier this year in adding the early payoff option to the state’s budget.  

STATEHOUSE – At the 2015 Howard County Women’s Summit, State Representative Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) presented Judy Dennis, Assistant Executive Director of the Family Service Association of Howard County, the Sagamore of the Wabash Award for her commitment to serving the community and Indiana. 

The Sagamore of the Wabash award is one of the most esteemed honors the governor of Indiana can bestow. It is presented to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state.

STATEHOUSE - State Representative Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) congratulates the Maple family of Howard County for receiving the Hoosier Homestead Award. The award was presented by Lt. Governor Sue Ellspermann in the Farm Bureau Building at the Indiana State Fair.

Kokomo was recently chosen to host city the 2015 Indiana Leadership Association (ILA) annual awards luncheon. At the event, a panel of many inspiring community and state leaders discussed the future of leadership in Indiana as well as how leadership programs can continue to remain effective and relevant to our ever-changing world. 

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) authored legislation to streamline the statewide 911 system to increase disaster preparedness during emergency situations. House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1475 increases funding for the statewide 911 system as well as provides flexibility for local fiscal bodies to fairly distribute more funds to support their Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). This legislation has now been signed into law by Governor Mike Pence.

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) coauthored the state’s two year budget which passed out of the General Assembly and will now be sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law. The $31 billion blueprint for Indiana’s finances has a strong focus on three main priorities: investing in education, fiscal integrity and public safety.

 “It was a solemn responsibility to help craft and pass our state’s biennial budget,” said Rep. Karickhoff. “All session long, we worked to create a fiscal plan that focuses on the needs of Hoosier students, fund public safety initiatives and ensures a fiscal environment that will grow the Hoosier economy.”

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) authored legislation to benefit Hoosier businesses. House Bill (HB) 1271 would allow grocers and similar retailers to maintain their sales tax exemption when they purchase labels that are required for the sale of certain products. The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate.

STATEHOUSE – “House Bill (HB) 1001 delivers an honestly balanced budget that increases education funding by the largest amount in Indiana’s history while still investing in key priorities like public safety. 

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) authored legislation that works to streamline communication services and increase disaster preparedness during emergency situations. House Bill (HB) 1475 would increase funding for the statewide 911 system as well as provide flexibility for local fiscal bodies to fairly distribute more funds to support their Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). This legislation passed out of the House with an 79-12 vote.

STATEHOUSE – “As someone who has lived, worked and raised a family in our community, it is my belief that we have benefitted from our current public construction practices. 

STATEHOUSE – State Representative Mike Karickhoff (R–Kokomo) is encouraging Hoosier students to apply for the Indiana House Page Program.