STATEHOUSE (Feb. 10, 2022) – State Rep. Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville) was honored by his House colleagues today with a resolution commending him for his 26 years of service representing House District 54, which includes all of Henry County, and portions of Rush and Wayne counties.
Many House lawmakers recognized Saunders as a lifelong public servant, serving as Henry County assessor and Franklin Township trustee for over 20 years before being elected state representative in 1996.
"Serving as a state lawmaker for 26 years has been challenging, humbling, but most of all, rewarding," Saunders said. "Working side by side with my colleagues in the General Assembly to better serve Hoosiers has been the greatest honor of my life. While today is bittersweet, I know that no man is a failure who has friends, and I'm happy to have served with so many of mine."
Saunders supported legislation paving the way for local infrastructure projects, supporting education and improving tax codes. He currently serves on the House Committee on Local Government, the House Roads and Transportation Committee, and the House Committee on Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development. Saunders also serves as assistant majority caucus chair for Indiana House Republicans.
As a legislator, Saunders worked to increase economic development in House District 54, beginning with the construction of I-70 interchanges and an Ivy Tech campus in downtown New Castle. Saunders and his wife also organized an annual legislative bake sale and auction, with the proceeds donated to the American Cancer Society. Saunders said that the auction had raised over $50,000 since it began.
In 2017, former Gov. Mike Pence awarded Saunders with the Sagamore of the Wabash, one of the state's highest honors presented to Hoosiers who have rendered distinguished service to the state, contributing greatly to Indiana’s rich history. Throughout his service, Saunders received legislator of the year awards by several organizations, including the Indiana Conservation Alliance and Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association.
State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) served alongside Saunders as he also represents a portion of Wayne County. Barrett, a newer member of the General Assembly, said his colleague's expertise and experience makes him an invaluable caucus member.
"Tom is the definition of a servant leader, and his tireless dedication to representing his district plainly shows that," Barrett said. "Tom is always available to offer advice and words of encouragement to not just myself, but to all of our colleagues in the Statehouse. His experience in all forms of state government will be sorely missed, but I wish him the very best in retirement."
"Tom is a good friend, and dedicated legislator who works hard for his district and the people of Indiana," said House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers). "His lifelong commitment to serving others, whether it was on the local or state level, is a testament to his passion for helping people above all else."
A lifelong resident of Henry County, Saunders lives in Lewisville with his wife, Sue.
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State Rep. Tom Saunders (R-Lewisville) represents House District 54,
which includes Henry County and portions of Rush and Wayne counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Brad Barrett (R-Richmond) represents House District 56,
which includes portions of Wayne County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
