The holiday season is always hectic. Many people travel to see loved ones, last minute gifts are bought and wrapped and homes are being prepared for guests. As a state lawmaker, the end of the year is also busy as we make our final preparations for the upcoming legislative session.
It is hard to believe that when session begins on Jan. 6, I will be entering my fifth year in the Legislature. Often, as session draws near, we talk a great deal about our priorities. For example, this year we will be focusing a lot on the budget and public safety. However, one of my personal priorities this session is to continue to keep an open line of communication with my constituents.
The feedback that I receive from constituents, whether it is a thought, concern or suggestion is truly invaluable to the legislative process. You may have even heard me refer to myself as “your voice at the Statehouse,” and this would not be possible if it were not for your thoughtful input. Before session even begins, I want to ensure that you have all the necessary tools to keep in touch with me and up-to-date on all of the happenings at the Statehouse.
One of the best ways to do this is to bookmark our website on your homepage. Lawmakers are currently working with the Legislative Services Agency to develop bill drafts for this session. Once these bills are officially filed, they will be posted on our website, www.iga.in.gov, for you to review. The website also allows you to watch live committee hearings and listen as both sides of any given issue present their case. In addition, the website offers a link to watch session live so you can see votes on important legislation as they come in.
We also offer opportunities for young Hoosiers to get involved in the process and truly learn how their government works. The House Page Program allows any student 13 to 18 years of age to experience the Legislature firsthand. Throughout the day, the participating student receives a tour of the Statehouse, meets with their state leaders, works with staff on the tasks that keep the Legislature running smoothly and is also able to watch the proceedings on the House floor. This is not only an exceptional educational experience, but for some students, a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Last, but certainly not least, you should be receiving my legislative survey in the mail very soon. Included in this survey are nine questions relating to topics that will likely be addressed in some capacity this session. In order to help me best represent our communities, I hope that you will take a moment to fill out these questions and mail them back to me, or complete the survey online at www.in.gov/h67.
In addition, if there is an issue you feel strongly about that is not present on the survey, please do not hesitate to contact me and let me know. I can be reached by phone at 317-234-3827 or by email at h67@iga.in.gov.
Each time I cast a vote, I am reminded of the input I have received, not only from industry experts, but also from people like you. In fact, it is often those personal stories that seem to stick with me the most. To say that this input helps guide my decision making is an understatement, and I hope that you continue to work with me as I search for new and innovative ways to improve our communities and our state as a whole.
Throughout session, I look forward to your calls and emails as well as seeing you at town hall meetings or even at the local dinner. But until then, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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