The main issues for us in the 116th General Assembly, as they are for so many Hoosiers, are money, jobs and education. We must craft a new two-year state budget in tough economic times, and we also want to improve education and create more jobs. With the revenue forecast it will be challenging. In addition, I will hear and vote on several local and regional issues that could affect your daily lives. Two bills I am personally advocating this session include one that would establish a training curriculum for newly elected officials and another that would add utility service vehicles to the "Slow Down/ Move Over" law. The training bill is House Bill 1638, and the "Slow Down/Move Over" bill is House Bill 1639. The current "Slow Down/Move Over" law includes only emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire trucks and police cars. HB 1639 is very personal for me because a utility worker was killed by an oncoming vehicle last year in Frankfort, in District 38. As with HB 1639, the real-life concerns of Hoosiers become the bases of many bills that come before us. That is why it is important that I know what you are thinking. This will help me make the best decisions for our communities and ensure your voices are heard in Indianapolis. On my Web site, I have posted a short survey I hope you will take the time to fill out. There is also a comment section where you can let me know what's on your mind. You can find it on my Web site at http://www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans/homepages/r38/. The survey link is on the right side of the screen under "Recent News" and is listed as "Click here to answer my 2009 legislative survey." The Internet also allows you to stay up to date on what's happening by watching the legislature in action online. Go online to www.houserepublicans.in.gov and click on "Watch the latest events from the House floor" on the right side. Students can also get involved through our page program, which allows students from across the state to experience the lawmaking process firsthand. During the page experience, students between the ages of 13 and 18 will receive a tour of the Statehouse, including the governor's office, the chambers of the Indiana House and Senate and the Indiana Supreme Court. Pages also have the opportunity to witness floor sessions and committee hearings taking place during their visit. Those interested in serving as a page in the House should send their name, age, address, phone number and school to my Statehouse office, Room 401-3, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. I am here to serve you, so I encourage you to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns through e-mail at h38@in.gov, by calling the Statehouse at 1-800-382-9841 or writing me at the Statehouse. -30- |
