Howard County legislators receive summer study committee assignments

Posted by: Abrahm Hurt  | Wednesday, August 2, 2023

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 2, 2023) – State Reps. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) and Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) recently received interim study committee appointments and will take a deep dive into issues facing Hoosiers as they prepare for the next legislative session in January.

Lawmakers serve on interim committees throughout the summer and fall to examine policy topics, gather public input and recommend potential legislation.

VanNatter will serve as vice chair of the Interim Study Committee on Employment and Labor, and as a member of the Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight.

"These study committees give lawmakers more time for questions and research, and develop potential solutions before we start the next legislative session," VanNatter said. "When talking with employers in our area or around the state, it's clear the demand for skilled workers remains high, and we need to do more to retain and attract more talent. As part of the committee focused on employment and labor, we'll take a look at workforce issues, including how we can make it easier for those with occupational licenses or certifications to locate here from another state and start working more quickly."

Karickhoff will serve as a member of the Electric Vehicle Product Commission, the Medicaid Advisory Committee, the Medicaid Advisory Committee's Standing Fiscal Subcommittee and the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust Project Committee.

"The Electric Vehicle Product Commission continues to evaluate and research our state's capabilities as Indiana positions itself as a world leader in this emerging market," Karickhoff said. "I also look forward to switching gears and discussing issues critical to our Medicaid system and finding ways we can improve it for all Hoosiers."

Members of the public are welcomed to attend and testify at committee hearings, which typically occur at the Statehouse in Indianapolis. Hearings are also livestreamed and archived online at iga.in.gov, where committee calendars and meeting agendas are posted.

Click here to learn more about the topics state legislators will examine in the coming months.

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State Rep. Mike Karickhoff (R-Kokomo) represents House District 30,
which includes portions of Grant and Howard counties. 
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.

State Rep. Heath VanNatter (R-Kokomo) represents House District 38,
which includes all of Carroll and Tipton counties, and
portions of Cass, Clinton, Howard and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.