STATEHOUSE (Sept. 3, 2025) – State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) recently attended the White House State Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. The conference was an opportunity for Indiana's elected officials and White House officials to foster collaboration and discuss the top issues affecting Hoosiers.
Smaltz lauded the opportunity to meet with senior White House officials and Cabinet secretaries, including Vice President JD Vance, and said the conference offered ways for state legislators to explore how Indiana can better align with federal policies that are proven to help Hoosiers.
The lawmaker said the meeting highlighted many policy areas where Indiana is leading the nation, including efforts to strengthen education, improve public safety and reduce bureaucracy.
"It was great to personally talk with Vice President JD Vance and take part in the State Leadership Conference at the White House," Smaltz said. "By partnering with federal leaders, Indiana can be a national model in key areas like school choice, public safety and fiscal responsibility."
Smaltz said that having an open dialogue between state and federal government is beneficial for lawmakers and the communities they serve.
The White House State Leadership Conference included a Q&A session for lawmakers with each speaker and agency representatives.
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State Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) represents House District 52,
which includes all of DeKalb County, and portions of Noble and Steuben counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
