[r78] Rep. Crouch Assigned to Six Committees, Commissions (8/25/2009)

STATEHOUSE - State Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville) has been appointed to six committees and commissions. These committees and commissions will study issues important to Southern Indiana, Hoosiers and the General Assembly. Some of the work will lead to legislation, and some will lead to improved service, facilities and opportunities in the state.

Rep. Crouch was named to:

• The New Harmony Commission. This committee will protect the historic area from environmental damage, develop New Harmony culturally and economically, restore memorabilia in the community and work with the Indiana Department of Transportation to improve access to and from New Harmony.

• The Commission on Developmental Disabilities. This commission will review and make recommendations for the Developmental Disabilities Task Force. The commission will communicate with state, private and nonprofit organizations to improve assistance for the mentally disabled, of all ages.

• The Pension Management Oversight Commission. This commission will study issues involving the investment and management of the state pension and benefit funds. More specifically, PERF and TRF are the funds which will be monitored.

• The Indiana Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. This commission will assist in the organization and planning of Lincoln bicentennial events. This commission has been in place since 2006. The Lincoln State Park, the Lincoln Amphitheater and the Lincoln exhibit at the Indiana Historical Society are some examples of what the commission utilizes to educate Hoosiers about President Lincoln's time in Indiana.

"Abraham Lincoln lived in Spencer County from ages 7 to 21," Rep. Crouch said. "These were the formative years of Lincoln's life, the years that defined his presidency.  Representing Spencer County and serving on this commission, promoting Lincoln's legacy, are important to me."

• The Interim Study Committee on Medicaid Supplemental Programs. This commission will study alternative revenue-generating options and the effects of expanding the Indiana check-up plan. Examples of alternative revenue generating options are federal grants and excise taxes. The Indiana check-up plan assists approximately 345,000 Hoosiers. The committee wants to grow to assist 478,593 Hoosiers.

• Select Joint Commission on Medicaid Oversight. This commission will evaluate how the state delivers Family and Social Services Administration benefits as well as Medicaid issues affecting Hoosiers. This session, the General Assembly passed HEA 1572 in response to FSSA modernization problems. It has created more surveillance and accountability for the modernization. Much more data and statistics will be recorded than before. The first meeting has been scheduled for 2 p.m., Eastern Time, Sept. 1 in the Indiana Senate chamber in the Statehouse.

Rep. Crouch said she was pleased at her re-appointment to Medicaid Oversight Committee: "The elderly, disabled and needy deserve a system that will deliver their benefits in a timely, efficient manner.  I have been fighting for this vulnerable population and will continue until the system is able to meet their needs. "

These committees and commissions will meet several times until the start of the 2010 session.

"I look forward to working on these committees and commissions," said Rep. Crouch. "What we learn in these committees and commissions are very beneficial when drafting legislation in the upcoming session. It helps the General Assembly figure out how to improve public policy for Hoosier families."