The new year has arrived and the holidays are past. I trust that you all had enjoyable gatherings with your family members. Our family certainly had a wonderful two weeks. All of our children were home for a time – some from Texas, some from Brazil, some from South America and others from Macy. The washer, dryer and dishwasher ran almost non-stop as well as the stove and shower. It was great to have our children here – we enjoyed them all!
As I have done for several years, my plan is to write a column each week the General Assembly is in session. Communication with the public is key to providing the best government for everyone. I will write the reports, but it is also necessary that the citizens voice their concerns to me. I encourage participation in the system and will do my best to respond to your concerns and opinions. Sometimes we will agree, other times we will not. Sometimes I can help, other times I cannot. The truth is that in order to provide the best government, we must communicate well.
Along with disagreeable winter conditions, the General Assembly convened early in January. The first day of session was Jan. 6, and this long session will continue to its statutory conclusion on April 29. A new two-year budget is the primary consideration for this session. Because the electorate gave the House and Senate even greater super majorities, the stewardship for good government falls on our shoulders. The caucuses are determined to govern fairly and do what is best for all Hoosiers.
As I mentioned, the budget is our primary concern for this long session. This is a topic Governor Pence discussed in his annual State of the State Address. The current budget spends over $30 billion during two years. I anticipate that the new budget will exceed that amount, and we will appropriate a record amount to be spent on education: pre-school, K-12, higher-ed and student financial assistance. Indiana dedicates well in excess of half its revenues to education. Many think we do not spend enough on schools, but a budget is a list of spending priorities and education is always the top priority. Those people who prepare the budget work hard to stretch the available revenue as far as they can to satisfy the many requests for funding. It is a very difficult task and not all entities are always pleased with the results.
There are countless other bills to be considered. About 1,500 bills will be filed for the Legislature to consider. Some of the more noteworthy discussed in the media are Sunday sales of alcohol, more lenient gun laws, gaming, education, the coal industry and ethics reform. Space and speculation on my part do not allow a prediction on these or many other bills. I will communicate as best I can on details of these issues as session continues.
This past Friday, I was pleased and honored to participate in a ribbon cutting at Orion Safety Products’ new building located in a rural area on the Miami-Cass county line. The company produces safety flares, marine flares and fuses used for emergency situations. It is a one-of-a-kind, nationwide company that has chosen this location to expand. There will be about 70 new jobs created in a very rural location, and it will help to increase employment in our two counties. I am always pleased when jobs are created here. Congratulations to Orion and the citizens of Miami and Cass counties for their cooperative efforts.
Thank you for your communication with me over the interim. I hope you will continue through this session.
Just a final note, our three-legged golden retriever, Buddy, is doing well. He spends many hours in the garage during cold weather, but does very well outside protecting the farmstead.
Stay in touch. Participation in your government is important.
More later,
Bill Friend
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Rep. Bill Friend represents portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties. He also serves as Speaker Pro Tempore.
