With two weeks of the 2015 legislative session now completed, things are really starting to get underway. In addition to legislation moving through the process, this week also marked the governor’s annual State of the State Address.
As you may know, our agenda for the 2015 legislative session will focus on four main areas: the budget, education, ethics reform and public safety. I was pleased to see the governor echo some of these same points in his address, and I am optimistic about what we will be able to accomplish together this year.
In particular, I believe a critical issue facing the Indiana General Assembly this session is the biennial budget. The budget is something that impacts every Hoosier, and it is imperative that we remain fiscally responsible, maintain our reserves and live within our means, just like families must do when it comes to their personal finances.
While this is a very important issue, which will demand a great deal of our time and attention, it is just one of many bills we will be considering this session. Throughout this process, I want my constituents to know that staying in constant contact with them and addressing their concerns will continue to be my top priority.
That being said, I wanted to take this opportunity to ensure that everyone has the necessary tools to keep in touch with me and stay up-to-date on all of the happenings at the Statehouse. One of the best ways to stay informed is to bookmark our website, which was just updated, on your homepage, www.indianahouserepublicans.com. You can find information about our district, news releases sent out and my contact information to list a few.
Another great resource is the www.iga.in.gov website. On this site, information is available about legislation filed, where bills are in the process as well as previous laws that have been passed. To increase transparency, the website also allows you to watch live committee hearings as both sides of any given issue present their case. Furthermore, it offers a link to watch our sessions live so you can see votes on legislation as they happen.
By now, you should have also received my legislative survey in the mail. Included in this survey are nine questions on topics that will likely be addressed in some capacity this session. Filling out this survey is an excellent way to let me know your thoughts and opinions on these issues. When reviewing this survey, if you have a question about these, or any other issues, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at h33@iga.in.gov or by phone at 317-234-9447.
While these are great ways to get involved, we also offer opportunities for young Hoosiers to learn more about the legislative process through the House Page Program. This program allows students, between the ages of 13 and 18, to experience state government firsthand. During their time here, pages will be able to tour the Statehouse, meet with their representatives, watch proceedings on the House floor and work with legislative staff on the tasks that keep the Legislature running smoothly. Meeting all of the young students who participated in this program was one of the highlights of last session, and I hope to see many more this year!
As a lifelong resident of east central Indiana, I am honored to represent our community in the Indiana House of Representatives. I recognize that an open line of communication is vital to me adequately representing your voice, and your feedback is what guides my vote on the issues that matter most to our district. I hope you will join me this session as I work to preserve the wholesome values of rural Indiana, while also seeking new and innovative ways to grow our communities.
-30-
