Happy New Year! It is 2016 and with a new year comes a fresh start and great anticipation for the months ahead. I hope everyone had a relaxing and memorable holiday season. I enjoyed the quality time with my friends and family on Christmas and the week following.

The 2016 legislative session is here, and I would like your feedback on several important issues. I encourage you to take my survey online at www.in.gov/H74 and feel free to provide your comments as well. The questions are intended to gauge the opinions of those living in our community and address issues likely to come before the Legislature this session. I always value and look forward to hearing from you. Your thoughts and opinions allow me to better represent our district

Much like all of you, I make a New Year’s resolution every year — but often focusing on my legislative priorities for the session. This year, I resolved to keep the momentum going during the 119th General Assembly as we work toward developing a responsible, comprehensive and sustainable plan to maintain and improve our transportation infrastructure, especially at the local level. It is important to balance this goal while protecting taxpayers and remaining fiscally responsible. As the Crossroads of America, our roads and bridges play a key role in our state's economy and we need to maintain them for future generations.

I will also continue to focus on teacher quality. We will look to improve the recruitment and retention of great educators, especially in high-demand subject areas like STEM and special education. Hoosier children are our most precious resource, and I'm committed to making sure they have the best possible education to succeed in today's economy.

As we dive further into session, I am excited to begin working with my colleagues to find solutions to the issues affecting our communities and state. Feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns. You can contact me by email at H74@iga.in.gov or by calling my office at (317) 232-9793.

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Rep. Arnold (R-Leavenworth) represents portions of Spencer, Dubois, Perry, Crawford and Orange counties.