STATEHOUSE (July 24, 2023) – Northwest Indiana legislators 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.
State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) will serve as vice chair of the Interim Study Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications and as a member of the Funding Indiana's Roads for a Stronger, Safer Tomorrow (FIRSST) Task Force, and Legislative Council. He will also serve on the Governor's Security Council, and on the Geological and Water Survey Advisory Council.
"We plan to review a wide range of issues, including the state's broadband deployment efforts, and an update on an exciting nuclear technology project at Purdue University that could have a tremendous statewide impact in the future," Soliday said. "I look forward to diving into these topics and others this summer in preparation for next year's session."
State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) will serve as vice chair of the Interim Study Committee on Roads and Transportation. He will also serve on the Funding Indiana's Roads for a Stronger, Safer Tomorrow (FIRSST) Task Force and was named to the Nonemergency Medical Transportation Commission.
"Going into these summer study committees, not only do we want to study ways to improve the quality of our roads, but also the safety," Pressel said. "Whether it's picking up kids from school and or going to work, we need to ensure our roads are safe for all drivers. As part of the roads committee, we'll take a look at how we can reduce and prevent traffic fatalities."
State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) will serve as a member of Interim Study Committee on Child Services.
"Since we started collecting data on child mortality, legislators have received valuable and insightful data to help us better protect our most vulnerable," Olthoff said. "Going into these study committees, we can continue to listen and learn, finding more ways to help kids in need."
State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) will serve as a member of the Medicaid Oversight Committee and the Interstate Rail Passenger Advisory Council.
"Last session we made great progress to ensure that Medicaid-covered children in Indiana continue receiving access to high-quality pediatric care close to home even if that's in a neighboring state like Illinois," Slager said. “I’m dedicated to continuing to work on matters related to Medicaid, as well as the necessary legislative oversight needed for this ever-expanding safety net program."
State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) will serve as vice chair of the Interim Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources.
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. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron) represents House District 11,
which includes portions of Jasper, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.
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State Rep. Julie Olthoff (R-Crown Point) represents House District 19,
which includes portions of Lake and Porter counties.
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State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents House District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
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State Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) represents House District 15,
which includes a portion of Lake County.
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State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) represents House District 4,
which includes a portion of Porter County.
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