[r48] Rep. Tim Neese Returns To Statehouse (1/7/2009)

(STATEHOUSE) Jan. 7, 2009 - Rep. Tim Neese (R-Elkhart), along with his House colleagues, opened the 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly today at the Statehouse. Rep. Neese starts the session with a number of goals that aim to control government spending and maintain high-quality services to Hoosier families.

"Indiana is fortunate to be one of just a few states which remains financially in the black," Rep. Neese said. "I will strongly support legislation that works towards strengthening our economy during a difficult period."

Rep. Neese joins with his House Republican colleagues in support of Hoosier Families First, their caucus agenda outlined in a recent press conference.  Their aims 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. Neese will sit as a member on two House legislative committees - Local Government, Environmental Affairs, Government and Regulatory Reform. He is the ranking Republican member.

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.

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. Neese encourages local constituents to contact him with questions or concerns through e-mail at h48@in.gov, or by calling the Statehouse at 1-800-382-9841. It is also possible to write him at 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204.

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