Contact Information
Legislative Assistant: Whitney Peterson
Phone: 317-232-9719 | 1-800-382-9841
Press Contact
I feel honored to be serving District 76, which encompasses portions of Posey and Vanderburgh counties. Thank you for visiting my website; I hope you find it useful and informative.
I look forward to working with you as we lead Indiana toward greater education reform, job creation and lower taxes.
Please feel free to contact me. I welcome any comments or concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Wendy McNamara
State Representative
District 76
Indiana House of Representatives: 2010 - present
House District 76: Portions of Posey and Vanderburgh counties
Committees:
Telephone: (317) 232-9816
Occupation: Director of Early College High School
Education:
Experience:
Member:
State Representative Wendy McNamara represents Indiana House District 76, which includes portions of Posey and Vanderburgh counties. She was born and raised in Indiana and received her undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Indianapolis, teacher certification from Valparaiso University and Masters in Education and Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Indiana.
Rep. McNamara brings many years of experience, knowledge and leadership to the Indiana House of Representatives with her educational career spanning more than 20 years with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. She served as a Teacher and Department Chair at Benjamin Bosse High School and at Harrison High School, as the Supervisor of Social Studies and as the Assistant Principal at North High School.
Currently, she serves as the Director of Early College High School. This is a position she has truly been innovative in by developing a model for high school students who simultaneously earn both a high school diploma and an Associate’s degree or two years of college credit toward a Bachelor’s degree.
She has served as an adjunct professor for World History at the University of Southern Indiana and has taught Political Science and Social Studies Methods at the University of Evansville. Rep. McNamara served as Constitution Coordinator for the Indiana Congressional District 8 ‘We the People’ and as an Executive Board Member for the Indiana Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (IASCD).
Through her dedication and passion for education, she has earned many prestigious awards. In 2009, Rep. McNamara received the Lawrence Senesh Award for School Administrators from the Indiana Council for Economic Education. She has been the Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers for years, 2004, 2005 and 2006.
She was the nominee for the Evansville Courier and University Evansville High School Teacher of the Year for the 2004-2005 school year and as a finalist for the 2002-2003 school year. Rep. McNamara was the Bosse Teacher of the Year for the 2001-2002 school year and received the Indiana National Guard Nighthawk Educator Award in 2000 and in 2006.
Throughout her tenure as a representative, Rep. McNamara will continue to advocate for pro-business polices, education and the creation of a better Hoosier state. She lives in Evansville with her dog Mercury.
House District 76 includes most of Posey County and a section of Vanderburgh County in southwestern Indiana. To find your House District, click here.
State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) encourage communities in Southwest Indiana to apply for the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program to help fund local road and bridge projects.
Local legislators encourage area 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.
State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) 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.
A project expanding fast and reliable internet to unserved homes and businesses in Posey County can now move forward thanks to a $3.3 million state broadband grant, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
Vanderburgh County school systems recently received more than $1 million in grants to invest in remote learning equipment and internet connectivity, according to local legislators.
Posey County schools recently received more than $540,000 in grants to invest in remote learning equipment and internet connectivity, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
"Hoosiers rely on small businesses in our communities and throughout Posey County, whether for employment or high-quality goods and services. It's important to recognize the success of rural Indiana is key to the state's recovery, and hardworking entrepreneurs are part of the solution. This funding will help those, who for so long, have helped and contributed to our communities."
A new opportunity is available for high school juniors and seniors to fulfill graduation requirements through tutoring younger students, according to State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
Diamond Valley Federal Credit Union recently received the Governor’s Half Century Business Award recognizing their longstanding service in the community, according to Vanderburgh County legislators.
According to State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch), 2020 Census responses are critical to future federal funding in local communities, and Hoosiers should respond now if they have not already done so.
Indiana Grown celebrates its five-year anniversary this month as it continues to attract more members and expand services, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) encourage veterans and Indiana companies to sign up for INvet's next-generation website that connects service members directly with Hoosier businesses.
With many new laws effective July 1, State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) said several important changes support Hoosier teachers, patients and first responders.
As Indiana continues to get back on track, the state is dedicating nearly $44 million in federal funds to help small businesses and manufacturers, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Patoka) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
Vanderburgh County farmers and agricultural producers directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, according to local legislators.
Local farmers and agricultural producers directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for financial assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
Posey County and local communities are eligible for more than $1.1 million through the federal stimulus package, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
Vanderburgh County and local communities are eligible for more than $9.7 million to cover COVID-19-related expenses through the federal stimulus package, according to local legislators.
Local small businesses and nonprofits can now utilize the state's new online marketplace to request personal protective equipment, according to State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville).
Gov. Eric Holcomb recently named Signature School student Ankush Dhawan to the 2020 Governor's STEM Team, according to State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville).
Local small businesses and nonprofits can now utilize the state's new online marketplace to request personal protective equipment, according to State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
Indiana's registered voters can now submit an online application to receive their mail-in absentee ballot, according to State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
Several area students pursuing a career in education recently received the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to local legislators.
Mount Vernon High School seniors Ellen Bush and Rhett Snodgrass recently received the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship, according to State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch) and Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
Vanderburgh County was recently awarded $435,590 in state matching grants to bolster road and bridge improvements, according to local legislators.
Local communities were recently awarded over $800,000 in state matching grants to bolster road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).
With Indiana school buildings closed for the academic year, Vanderburgh County legislators said there are several online resources available to help students continue learning at home.
Vanderburgh County legislators are encouraging Hoosier workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to access recently expanded state and federal resources for help.
State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) encourages Hoosier workers and small businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to access recently expanded state and federal resources for help.
"Indiana is facing unprecedented times that require decisive leadership. Governor Holcomb and Secretary Lawson are keeping Hoosiers' health and safety a top priority by moving the primary election to June. We will also maintain the integrity of our election process while making sure Hoosiers have access to mail-in absentee ballots. Communities across the state are feeling the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, and our local, state and federal leaders will continue taking proactive steps to avoid spreading the virus further."
State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) bill raising the penalty for drivers who fail to yield to an emergency vehicle, causing an accident involving serious bodily injury or death, could soon become law.
STATEHOUSE (March 2, 2020) – State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) recently welcomed local students to the Statehouse where they served as pages during the 2020 legislative session:
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 26, 2020) – The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted in support of a bill sponsored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) that would help protect vulnerable Hoosiers from financial exploitation.
The House of Representatives today voted in support of State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) bill that provides that if a person fails to yield to an emergency vehicle, causing serious bodily injury or death the infraction rises to a level 6 felony.
PHOTO CAPTION: (From left to right) State Reps. Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch), Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville), Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Ron Bacon (R-Chandler) pair sneakers with their suits to help kick off February as National Cancer Prevention Month on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2020, at the Statehouse. The Indiana House of Representatives participated in the Suits and Sneakers Challenge, an annual event hosted by the American Cancer Society and National Association of Basketball Coaches, to help raise awareness. The American Cancer Society recommends a healthy diet and exercise to significantly reduce cancer risks.
The Indiana House of Representatives voted unanimously in support of a measure co-authored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) that would decouple teacher performance evaluations from student test scores.
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 11, 2019) – Local communities were recently awarded over $1.4 million in state matching grants to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Matt Hostettler (R-Fort Branch).
STATEHOUSE (Oct. 11, 2019) – Vanderburgh County and the city of Evansville recently received over $1.1 million in state matching grants to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to area legislators.
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 30, 2019) – Applications are now open for the Indiana House Republican Internship Program, according to State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
Note to the Press: Please include the following statement from State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) in your coverage of Gov. Eric Holcomb awarding Dr. George Rapp, a native of New Harmony, with the 2019 Sachem Award, the state's highest honor, at a ceremony Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the Indiana State Museum. The Sachem is given annually to recognize a lifetime of excellence and moral virtue that has brought credit and honor to Indiana. See below for photos from the event and a release from Holcomb:
Photo Caption: A new law authored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) (seated, right) strengthening school safety and improving mental health resources for students is ceremonially signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb (seated, center) Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, at Mount Vernon High School. The law will help schools access funds to conduct active shooter drills, hire law enforcement and implement mental health programs.
Photo Caption: A new law sponsored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) (seated, second from right) helping Hoosiers with disabilities is ceremonially signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb (seated, center) Monday, July 8, 2019, at the governor’s residence in Indianapolis. The law recognizes Supported Decision-Making Agreements as a valid way for individuals to choose supporters to assist them in making decisions. The supporters provide assistance but the person retains final decision-making authority. It can be used as an alternative to guardianship to help promote the person’s self-determination and independence.
STATEHOUSE (July 2, 2019) — State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) will serve as vice chair of the Interim Summer Study Committee on Corrections and Criminal Code, which reviews current trends with respect to criminal behavior, sentencing, incarceration and treatment.
STATEHOUSE (June 28, 2019) – State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) recently toured and spoke with officials at the new Posey County Jail in Mount Vernon.
STATEHOUSE (April 25, 2019) – Legislation authored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) to strengthen school safety is now headed to the governor.
STATEHOUSE (March 20, 2019) – The Indiana Senate voted in favor of legislation authored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) to improve efficiency in Vanderburgh County courts.
STATEHOUSE (March 18, 2019) – State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) today welcomed the Highland Baseball Challenger Little League team to the Statehouse to recognize their Little League World Series win.
STATEHOUSE (March 6, 2019) – State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) at the Statehouse honored a group of University of Southern Indiana students with a resolution recognizing their accomplishments in building the UNITE CubeSat, a small research satellite.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 6, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted in support of legislation co-authored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) helping schools install rapid response safety systems.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 30, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted in favor of legislation co-authored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) that would prohibit violent offenders from legally changing their names.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 29, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives voted in support of State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) legislation strengthening school safety.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 24, 2019) – The Indiana House of Representatives today voted in favor of legislation co-authored by State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) that would provide at-risk mothers with better access to health care and reduce Indiana’s infant mortality rate.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 14, 2019) – The House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee on Tuesday will consider State Rep. Wendy McNamara’s (R-Evansville) legislation strengthening school safety initiatives.
STATEHOUSE (Nov. 30, 2018) – State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) was recently appointed to serve as chair of the House Courts and Criminal Code Committee.
STATEHOUSE (June 4, 2018) — Gov. Eric Holcomb on Monday signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) to help address juvenile justice issues more effectively.
STATEHOUSE (May 15, 2018) — Gov. Eric Holcomb on Monday signed into law legislation authored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) putting more protections in place for Hoosier students.
STATEHOUSE (March 14, 2018) — Foster parents in Indiana will soon have a bill of rights due to a new law sponsored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
STATEHOUSE (March 1, 2018) — The Indiana House of Representatives Tuesday voted in favor of legislation sponsored by State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper) to protect children in need of services.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 22, 2018) — The Indiana Senate Committee on Education and Career Development voted in support of legislation authored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) that would put more protections in place for Hoosier students.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 21, 2018) — The Indiana House of Representatives Tuesday voted in favor legislation sponsored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) that would require the Department of Child Services to create a “foster parent bill of rights.”
RAISING AWARENESS: (From left to right) State Reps. Shane Lindauer (R-Jasper), Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Steve Bartels (R-Eckerty) 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. About 2.4 million Indiana residents, or 2 out of every 5 people now living in Indiana, will eventually develop cancer.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 2, 2018) — The Indiana House of Representatives yesterday voted in favor of legislation authored by State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) that would put more protections in place for Hoosier students.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 31, 2018) — The Indiana House of Representatives yesterday voted unanimously in favor of legislation authored by State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Stephen Bartels (R-Eckerty) to better track youth in adult court.
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. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville).
STATEHOUSE (Aug. 11, 2017) – Area legislators joined Indiana Treasurer Kelly Mitchell at The Arc in Evansville today for the launch of a new health savings option for Hoosiers living with disabilities.
STATEHOUSE (July 13, 2017) – “It is encouraging to see the recent infrastructure investment being implemented so quickly to help ensure our state and local economies continue to thrive and keep Hoosiers safe while traveling. As a result of this investment, it is estimated that Posey County will receive more than $16 million, and Vanderburgh County will receive more than $37 million in state funding to resurface a combined total of 224 lane miles and rehabilitate or replace nine bridges in our area.”
According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, victims are killed or severely injured on a daily basis due to the combination of guns and domestic violence. An astounding number of women are killed by their abusers, and guns are the most commonly used weapon in domestic violence homicides. When abusers have access to firearms, victims’ lives are at risk. That’s why I am working on a new law that would require those placed under order of protections to surrender their firearms and ammunition within 48 hours.
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2017) – The Indiana House of Representatives passed a bill authored by State Reps. Wendy McNamara (R-Evansville) and Lloyd Arnold (R-Leavenworth) that would expedite teacher licenses for military spouses whose husbands or wives are assigned to a duty station in Indiana.
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 9, 2017) – “Eric Holcomb is committed to putting Hoosier families first and maintaining a strong economic climate to support our thriving businesses. I am eager to get to work with him on policies that will keep Indiana on the right track. Additionally, it is a great honor for our community to have Suzanne Crouch in the lieutenant governor position. From her work in Southern Indiana, we know she will keep advocating for our corner of the state and will be an effective leader on behalf of all Hoosiers.”
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