This year, Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) delivered a speech that addressed job creation for Hoosiers. Indiana currently has a stubborn unemployment rate hovering around 9 percent. “We have come a long way in spurring Indiana’s economic growth, but the high unemployment rate of Indiana, especially Elkhart County’s high unemployment rate, magnifies the urgency to get Hoosiers back to work and providing for their families,” said Rep. Neese. “Organization Day outlined what we have been called to do so the quarter of a million Hoosiers can work and provide for their 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. 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. Neese can be reached by email at h48@IN.gov, by phone at 1-800-382-9841 or by mail at the Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, Ind. 46204. |
