Promoting entrepreneurship and balancing the budget Our April 29 deadline is quickly approaching and we are working diligently to ensure all our goals are reached. The last two weeks of the legislative session are always very exciting. A bill I authored, House Bill 1006, that will set up a one-stop-shop within the Secretary of State's Office for Hoosiers to establish a business, has passed in the Senate. Business owners will have the opportunity to register with state agencies and obtain all the necessary permits and licenses required for the business. The bill will promote entrepreneurship and small business growth, one of our top priorities this legislative session to strengthen Indiana. HB1006 will 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 will require the CHE to examine entrepreneurship programs in state universities. In addition, HB 1006 requires the IEDC to work with local economic organization within geographic regions in Indiana and with state economic development organizations within the states contiguous to Indiana. This is important, in our global economy, if we are to retain and attract jobs for Hoosier families. It can be a challenging and lengthy process to start a new business and my goal was to simplify that process. By streamlining and cutting down on the amount of paperwork and numerous state agencies that must be contacted we want to encourage entrepreneurship in Indiana. Progress is being made daily on the budget, as well. Currently, the Senate has made amendments to the budget bill that originated in the House. We will continue discussions through the deadline and I will be sure to update you fully when the details have been ironed out and finalized after next week. Thank you for your continued feedback and support this session. I hope you have a wonderful week and Easter! -30- State Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville)
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