[R15] House Republican Legislative Priorities Achieved (4/26/2013)

STATEHOUSE – Rep. Hal Slager (R-Schererville) is pleased that the Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), announced the end of session, or Sine Die on Friday evening, closing out a year of priorities achieved. The House Republican agenda, which was released in October, centered on making Indiana a stronger state for future generations, by focusing on fiscal integrity, job growth, and enhanced education opportunities for every Hoosier.

“Legislation enacted this session will directly impact our community in a positive way. Every Hoosier has gone through a rough patch at some point and they should have access to the tools needed to persevere and build themselves up.  We carefully crafted legislation that will promote an economic environment conducive to high-quality job growth in Indiana, giving Hoosiers the means to build their own American Dream” said Rep. Slager.

Bridging the Skills Gap

“We have focused over the past decade on creating the best environment in the midwest through policies that encourage and incentivize companies from all over the world to relocate and grow in Indiana,” said Speaker Bosma. “HEA 1002, the Indiana Career Council (ICC), develops a workforce that will better prepare Hoosiers for the needs of a globally dynamic marketplace,” said Bosma.

According to the Indiana Vision 2025 report published by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, more than 930,000 Hoosiers lack even the most basic skills to thrive in today’s economy. 

Designed to improve coordination, communication and vision for Indiana’s workforce training and career preparation systems, the ICC is a panel that will bring the principal stakeholders in the state’s workforce development efforts together to create a stronger plan to move Indiana forward. Members of the ICC will be charged with aligning the education skills and training provided by Indiana’s educational, job skills and career training systems with the existing and projected needs of the state’s job market. The legislation also puts into law a longitudinal data system to track the effectiveness of the state’s educational and workforce programs. 

Leaders in Classrooms; Leaders in Life

Currently, there are nearly two and a half STEM jobs for every one unemployed person in Indiana. Despite the economic downturn, these jobs have remained in demand, and will only increase as technology marches on. HEA 1001 creates a STEM Teacher Recruitment Fund and new stipend programs for teachers that are in high demand.

“Our agenda was focused on cultivating a Hoosier economy where people can find great jobs, build and maintain our roads, invest a record amount in our education system and build a foundation of fiscal integrity. The legislation we passed this session will allow Indiana’s economy to grow, and give Hoosiers a financial break through a half a billion dollar tax cut,” said Rep. Slager.