(STATEHOUSE) Jan. 7, 2009 - Rep. Bill Davis (R-Portland), along with his House colleagues, opened the 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly today at the Statehouse. Rep. Davis starts the session with a number of goals that aim to control government spending and maintain high-quality services to Hoosier families. "In the 2009 legislative session, we have a real opportunity to be problem-solvers to the issues facing Indiana," said Rep. Davis. "Hoosiers need to know that we are here to find solutions to these tough times. "House Republicans are working towards accomplishing three things this legislative session - taxpayer protection, job -creation and education reform. I am not saying these won't be tough challenges, but with great challenges come great opportunities." Rep. Davis joined his House Republican colleagues in support of Hoosier Families First, their caucus agenda outlined in a pre-session press conference today. The agenda's 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, protecting parental choice and charter schools, 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. Davis will sit as a member on two House legislative committees - Roads and Transportation and Ways and Means. He is the ranking Republican member of the Roads and Transportation Committee. 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. Historically, there has not always been a short session. Until 1969, Indiana legislators met only in even-numbered years. In 1970, the legislature decided to allow short sessions during the off years to deal with important issues facing the state. 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. Davis encourages constituents to contact him with questions or concerns through e-mail at h33@in.gov, by calling the Statehouse toll-free at 1-800-382-9841 or by writing him at 200 W. Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46204. |