[r20] Rep. Tom Dermody Returns To Statehouse (1/7/2009)

(STATEHOUSE) Jan. 7, 2009 - Rep. Tom Dermody (R-Laporte), along with his House colleagues, opened the 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly today at the Statehouse. Rep. Dermody starts the session with a number of goals that aim to control government spending and maintain high-quality services to Hoosier families.

"We're in the midst of one of the most difficult economic times in our state's history," said Rep. Dermody. "It will be our job as a legislative body to come together and make serious progress for hardworking Hoosiers without raising taxes."  

Rep. Dermody joins with his House Republican colleagues in support of Hoosier Families First, their caucus agenda outlined in a recent press conference.  Their aims are short and simple:

• Taxpayer Protection. No tax increases. No gimmicks. Just a lean, common-sense-based budget that keeps state government operating efficiently.
• Job Creation: Focus on the Future. Indiana has been a leader in the Midwest at attracting new jobs, and we will continue to aggressively seek high-paying, quality jobs for our citizens.  No new general business taxes and no new burdensome regulations.
• Education reform: Competing in the 21st Century: The Hoosier State has bright students, solid, innovative teachers and concerned parents, and House Republicans believe they all deserve support.  This includes getting more education money directly to classrooms, rewarding highly-qualified educators and giving teachers the power to appropriately discipline their classrooms.  Supporting strong education is foundational to invigorating our economic development efforts.

During the session, Rep. Dermody will sit as a member on two House legislative committees:

• Ways and Means.
• Small Business and Economic Development

The Indiana General Assembly is a part-time legislature, meeting on a two-year cycle, three months in even-numbered years and four months in odd-numbered years.

As the session moves forward, the public can keep track of the legislative process by watching House and committee proceedings at www.in.gov/legislative/  and clicking on "Watch the General Assembly Session."

Rep. Dermody encourages local constituents to contact him with questions or concerns through e-mail at h20@in.gov, or by calling the Statehouse at 1-800-382-9841. It is also possible to write him at 200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204.

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