Indiana’s economy is on the move. During the first half of 2017, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation secured commitments from 164 employers to create 17,823 new Hoosier jobs and invest $5.4 billion in their Indiana operations in the coming . . .
Indiana, along with the rest of the United States, continues to face a drug epidemic. Drug overdoses are now the No. 1 cause of accident-related deaths in our state, and addiction is wreaking havoc on Hoosier families and communities.
During the 2017 . . .
When the Indiana General Assembly is not in session, my colleagues and I spend most of our time living and working in our local communities. This allows us to stay close to our neighbors and constituents, and better understand the various issues Hoosiers . . .
During the 2017 legislative session, 272 bills passed out of the Indiana General Assembly, and many of them went into effect July 1.
While some of these bills received a lot of media attention during the legislative session, such as those that work . . .
Quality roads and bridges are a crucial part of a state’s economic success. In recent years, it has become clear that Indiana needs a long-term, sustainable plan to repair, maintain and build our transportation infrastructure.
To address this issue, . . .
Workforce development is a crucial issue facing our state today.
While this was a top priority for lawmakers in the recent legislative session, it has not received a lot of attention in the media.
For years, Indiana has worked hard to create a pro-growth, . . .
Every year, we set aside an important day – Memorial Day – to pay tribute to those in the Armed Forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice to keep the United States safe and free.
Like most Americans, it fills me with a sense of tremendous . . .
The Indiana General Assembly’s 2017 legislative session came to an end Saturday, April 22, with the passage of several important pieces of legislation for our state.
In contrast to the partisan gridlock in Washington, D.C., all but a handful of the . . .
For more than a decade, Indiana has led the nation in fiscal responsibility by passing balanced budgets, cutting taxes, and reducing the size of state government.
The fiscally responsible foundation we have built here in the Hoosier state has helped . . .
U.S. News and World Report recently named Indiana’s government the best in the nation.
The ranking was based on budget transparency, government digitalization, fiscal stability and state integrity. The combination of these factors ranked us first . . .
It is a great honor to represent the people of Senate District 16 in the Indiana State Senate.
Common sense Hoosier values, a strong work ethic, and a compassionate spirit combine to make our part of the state a wonderful place to live.
Each year, I . . .
The Indiana General Assembly recently reached the halfway point of the 2017 legislative session, meaning all of the bills passed by the Senate are now being considered by the House of Representatives and vice versa.
In all, the Senate passed 201 bills . . .
Like the rest of the nation, Indiana is facing a heroin and opioid abuse crisis, which is claiming too many lives and damaging our local communities.
Right now, drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental deaths in Indiana. The number of heroin-related . . .
Kids deserve to have a safe and healthy school environment where they are free to learn and grow.
The overwhelming majority of Indiana’s school employees work hard every day to provide such an environment – enabling our state’s next generation . . .
With 14 interstates, more than 11,000 miles of highway and 4,500 miles of rail, Indiana truly is the Crossroads of America.
Our transportation infrastructure not only helps Hoosiers get where they need to go each day, it also supports our growing economy. . . .
The Indiana General Assembly is now in session. I recently joined several of my colleagues in the Senate Republican Caucus to announce our priorities for the 2017 session, which will last through the end of April.
The priorities we are advancing this . . .
I wrote this article for The Waynedale News’ Christmas edition ten years ago, but I think it’s worth another turn around the block. This is a story that truly puts me in the holiday mood.
For those of you who have not read or heard of the book/poem . . .
Over the last decade, Indiana has emerged as a national leader in fiscal management and economic growth. We take pride in our common-sense budgeting and economic policies that attract top businesses who hire hard-working Hoosiers.
Our record for maintaining . . .
The Indiana General Assembly will convene for the ceremonial start of the 2017 legislative session on Tuesday, November 22 at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
“Organization Day,” as it is commonly referred to, gives new and returning legislators . . .
As Americans, it is important to honor our military service men and women who have made great sacrifices to defend our country’s freedom.
While we owe this debt of gratitude each and every day, Veterans Day provides a special opportunity each year . . .
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education recently announced the official launch of the Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship for high-achieving students pursuing a career in education.
This scholarship program was established by House Enrolled . . .
It’s never too early for high school students to start planning for what they want to do after graduation, whether its entering the workforce, joining the military, or enrolling in a technical or traditional four-year college or university.
If students . . .
Each year, state and federal public safety agencies designate September as Preparedness Month – a time set aside to raise awareness about the importance of being prepared for unexpected emergencies and natural disasters.
While no one anticipates having . . .
The Indiana State Senate provides hands-on internship opportunities for college students and recent graduates with an interest in government, public policy and the legislative process.
A variety of full-time paid internship opportunities are available . . .
As the end of the summer approaches, Hoosier students and teachers across the state are back in the classroom for the start of another school year.
At the Statehouse, the Indiana General Assembly’s summer study committees are well underway and several . . .
Indiana Auditor Suzanne Crouch recently released the end-of-year financial data for the state’s 2016 fiscal year, which concluded on June 30.
As Hoosiers have come to expect, Indiana ended the fiscal year with its books balanced and a strong reserve . . .
Recent economic reports show that Indiana’s economy is continuing to grow stronger. Our unemployment rate is below the national average and our labor force participation rate has outperformed the national average for 25 months in a row.
These reports . . .
Many of the laws that were passed during the General Assembly’s 2016 legislative session took effect with the start of Indiana’s new fiscal year on July 1.
My colleagues and I worked this year to address a wide range of issues. From protecting children . . .
Our country is in the middle of a presidential election year, full of passionate debate on a wide range of issues.
One of the most important challenges facing our country is the expansive, unmanageable bureaucracy that comprises much of the federal . . .