We recently held a meeting of the Indiana Legislative Rural Caucus. It’s a bipartisan group of lawmakers who meet to discuss issues affecting rural Indiana. We have talked about and heard presentations on everything from schools to healthcare. Last week, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch addressed the group and spoke encouragingly about her efforts to promote economic development projects in rural Indiana. I noted that many young families were moving to urban areas to find suitable employment. Their exodus is causing funding issues for small, rural schools and other community shortages. It is refreshing to hear the lieutenant governor recognize this problem and hear her plans for us to work together to improve the situation in rural areas.
In the legislature, we’re working to keep students healthy in colleges and universities. House Bill 1069 would add meningitis to the list of immunizations required for a student enrolling in a residential state college or university. A few universities in Indiana have recently confirmed cases of students contracting meningococcal disease, or meningitis. This is a dangerous disease that can have long-term effects on the brain. The immunization is currently required for students attending high school in Indiana, but not all states and countries follow this Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation, meaning incoming students might be unvaccinated. This legislation would ensure that students new to Indiana are protected and not at risk for contracting or spreading the disease.
Recently, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that Indiana has the lowest veteran unemployment rate in the country. In their 2016 report, the annual average of unemployed Indiana veterans was 1.8 percent. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development gives credit to the many services that our state offers to veterans, including free vocational training, occupational skill assessments, direct job referrals, resume review and interview preparation. Last year, more than 10,000 Hoosier veterans utilized these programs. It is important that we provide every opportunity to these individuals who have bravely served our country. House Republicans will continue to work to support our veterans.
I want to extend congratulations to the DNR for their continued success in revitalizing the bald eagle population. There are now 300 pairs of bald eagles nesting in Indiana. Keep your eye out, and try to spot one of these majestic symbols of our nation!
As we move further into April and the last portion of the legislative session, many heavy decisions will be made and important votes will be taken. Please communicate your thoughts and opinions on issues important to you at 317-232-9981 or h23@iga.in.gov. It is your government – stay in touch and involved!
More later,
Bill
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Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy) represents House District 23,
which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
A high-resolution photo of Friend can be downloaded by clicking here.
