This week has been one of the busiest in the legislature so far. Legislation addressing school bus safety passed out of the House unanimously. The work done on this bill highlights how the entire General Assembly must work together to pass legislation. As a sponsor of this legislation, I am grateful for all the input from stakeholders and constituents to improve safety for children riding school buses.
Since the federal government legalized hemp farming, states wanting to pursue hemp production must now submit a plan to the United States Department of Agriculture. In the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, we considered Senate Bill 516, which outlines Indiana’s proposed plan to regulate industrial hemp. In 2018, Mark Boyer of Miami County partnered with Purdue University to establish a pilot project to plant, grow and harvest 12 acres of hemp. His experience will prove valuable as we move forward with cultivating this product. It is a common misconception that hemp and marijuana are the same thing. While related, hemp does not produce a “high” when consumed and has many industrial uses including the production of rope, clothing, paper, insulation, biodegradable plastic and much more. This industry could be significant for Indiana’s economic development. I am encouraged by the potential for hemp to be a great new crop for Hoosier farmers, processors, retailers and other innovators, and look forward to watching this initiative progress.
As environmental initiatives continue developing, Indiana’s energy sector is growing as well. Right now, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission oversees the state’s energy policy, but only through individual plans and rate cases from utility companies. The House Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee is moving forward with a plan to create a 21st Century Energy Policy Development Task Force. To ensure Hoosiers have access to safe, affordable and reliable electric services, this task force would take a deeper dive into possible solutions and make recommendations to the legislature.
Finally, House Speaker Brian Bosma recently appointed me to the Midwestern Legislative Conference Economic Development Committee. As a chapter of the Council of State Governments, this organization assists legislators in examining strategies for economic growth, provides leadership development programs and other resources related to strengthening state and regional economies. I look forward to participating in this committee with legislators from throughout the Midwest.
If you have any questions or input, please reach out to me in the Statehouse, at h23@iga.in.gov or 317-232-9600. Remember, it’s your state government, so participate in it!
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Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Denver) represents House District 23, which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
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