Addressing What's Needed This week the governor delivered his State of the State address to all Hoosiers from the House chamber. He discussed the need for us to maintain being fiscally responsible so that Indiana will continue to lead the way out of this recession. The governor stated he believes we have had great success in promoting job creation and growth in for Hoosiers, but we must continue to work to find ways to help get everyone back to work. This week six bills were handed down that would fulfill our goals in the Strengthen Indiana Plan. One of those bills, House Bill 1006, was one I authored to encourage entrepreneurship and small business growth by setting up a one-stop-shop in the Secretary of State's office. People would have the opportunity to register with state agencies and obtain all the necessary permits and licenses required for the business. HB1006 would also require the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), in conjunction with the Commission for Higher Education (CHE) and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), to develop curriculum guides for high school entrepreneurship classes based on successful entrepreneurship practices. Furthermore, the bill would require the CHE to examine entrepreneurship programs in state universities. It can be very challenging and overwhelming to start a new business. With the numerous agencies you have to register with, and all the forms to fill out, it can be very confusing, especially for those that do not have the legal knowledge that large businesses have. This bill would make the process easier and help build that entrepreneurial inspiration and know-how in Hoosiers at an early age. Other states like South Carolina already have a one-stop-shop in place. The South Carolina Business One Stop (SCBOS) website has been used to create over 30,000 businesses and has saved users over $18.5 million. Furthermore, it cut the wait time for permits, licenses and other registrations in half, and 97% of users said that they would gladly use the website again. Another major focus the governor had in his address was education. HB 1002 was also handed down this week which is the first bill we will hear that will touch on education. Education will certainly be a main focus this session and will continue to be discussed by the members of the House and Senate because all children deserve to receive the best education possible. The governor has proposed that we give parents more options and choice in their child's education. In addition, the governor has suggested increasing the number of charter schools. He'd also like to identify and reward great teachers and principals, and give school leaders the flexibility to promote excellence. The governor's proposals are a starting point in this discussion on education. And I would encourage my constituents to give me their thoughts and ideas on these and other proposals as they unfold. I will have several more bills I authored handed down next week. I'll keep you posted on their progress and on the many important issues we are discussing this session. -30- |
