(STATEHOUSE) Nov. 18, 2008 - Rep. Tim Neese (R-Elkhart) was sworn in today as a member of the 116th General Assembly during the legislature's Organization Day. Rep. Neese has represented District 48 since 2002. Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan Jr. presided over the swearing-in of the 100 members of the Indiana House of Representatives. During the 2009 legislative session, Rep. Neese plans to continue support for an honestly balanced state budget that limits state government spending growth. The state budget is the only legislation the General Assembly must pass this session. However, Rep. Neese has spent the past year collecting input from local residents on other possible legislation. "The upcoming legislative session will be a crucial time for Indiana," said Rep. Neese. "Our state will need to have an honestly balanced budget while providing employers invectives to bring new jobs to Indiana. We also need to finish what was started related to property taxes, in addition to immigration reform." 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. Long sessions, such as the upcoming one, are when the two-year state budget is completed. The short session is 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 public is encouraged to watch the legislative process over the House Internet Program, a Republican-created initiative, and can view both the House floor or committee proceedings at www.in.gov/legislative . Click on "Watch the General Assembly Session" on the right side of the screen. The upcoming 2009 legislative session will begin on Jan. 7 and must conclude by April 29. For questions or comments regarding this session, Rep. Neese can be reached by e-mail at h48@IN.gov, by phone at 1-800-382-9841 or by mail at the Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204. -30- |
