STATEHOUSE —Members of the Indiana General Assembly, including State Rep. Bill Friend (R-Macy), returned to the Statehouse for Organization Day to hear the House Speaker deliver a speech setting the tone for the upcoming legislative session. This year, Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) addressed job creation during the Organization Day ceremony. Indiana currently has a stubborn unemployment rate hovering around 9 percent. “Bringing jobs to our communities throughout the state will continue to be my focus this year,” said Rep. Friend. “Indiana is leading the way out of this recession and we want to continue to stay on a path to prosperity for the benefit of all Hoosier families.” 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. Short sessions, such as the upcoming one, are relatively new for the legislature. Until 1969, Indiana legislators only met once every other year. In 1970, the legislature decided to allow short sessions to deal with important issues facing the state. The upcoming 2012 legislative session will begin on Jan. 4 and according to state statutes must conclude by March 14. “I’m looking forward to a productive and challenging short session. Our goals to strengthen the economy and create an economic climate that will help create more jobs will allow more Hoosiers to thrive now and in the future,” said Rep. Friend. The public is encouraged to watch the legislative process online, a Republican-created transparency initiative, to view both the House Chamber and committee proceedings at www.in.gov/legislative . Click on “Watch the General Assembly Session,” on the right side of the screen. For questions or comments regarding this session, Rep. Friend can be reached by email at h23@IN.gov, by phone at 1-800-382-9841 or by mail at the Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, Ind. 46204. -30- Rep. Friend, Creating a thriving economy to put Hoosiers back to work, 11-22-11.docx |
