June 19-25 is Entrepreneurship Week in Indiana – an opportunity for Hoosiers to recognize and celebrate the vital importance of free-market entrepreneurship in our state and local communities.
While much of the business-related coverage we read about . . .
Indiana’s part-time state legislature, unlike the U.S. Congress, allows representatives and senators to spend the majority of the calendar year in their districts. This allows legislators to maintain a closer connection with their constituents and . . .
Memorial Day is right around the corner – a holiday providing extra time with family and friends, outdoor barbeques and the unofficial start of summer in the Hoosier state.
But most importantly, we must use this day to pause and reflect, and remember . . .
In recent months, we’ve seen several stories in the news about horrific crimes committed against Hoosier children.
Some of our most vulnerable citizens have been victims of abuse or neglect at the hands of those entrusted to care for them at daycares . . .
In my most recent column, I discussed the successful passage of Indiana Senate Republicans’ agenda items for the General Assembly’s 2016 legislative session.
While that list includes some critical initiatives for our state, it is far from exhaustive . . .
When the Indiana General Assembly’s 2016 legislative session began in January, the members of the Senate Republican Caucus unveiled a legislative agenda aimed at moving Indiana forward.
We set out goals to improve our road infrastructure, spur regional . . .
A few weeks ago I wrote about legislation being considered by the Indiana General Assembly to fight the scourge of methamphetamine in our state. Unfortunately, meth is not the only drug damaging our communities and tearing families apart.
Heroin-overdose . . .
Like millions of Americans, I was appalled last year to watch videos showing Planned Parenthood officials discussing how the organs of aborted children were preserved and sold to medical researchers.
More recently, an Indianapolis television outlet . . .
When the Indiana General Assembly convened in January for the start of the 2016 legislative session, the Senate Republican Caucus laid out an agenda aimed at moving our state forward in several key areas of public policy.
We are now beyond the halfway . . .
The Indiana General Assembly has long prioritized Hoosier students and educators. Over half of our state’s general fund is devoted to K-12 education, making Indiana third in the nation for the percent of our budget devoted to schools.
Like many states, . . .
On the opening day of the General Assembly’s 2016 legislative session, I gathered with members of the Senate Republican Caucus to unveil our legislative agenda.
The ideas included in our agenda would positively impact Hoosiers in a variety of ways, . . .
Indiana has a part-time citizen legislature, which means the General Assembly is only in session for two-and-a-half to four months at the start of each year so that lawmakers are able to continue living and working in the districts they represent.
During . . .
It’s hard to think of a profession that has a greater impact on our future than teaching. Indiana has a long tradition of excellent classroom instruction, and our part of the state is no exception.
Earlier this year, Jean Russell, who teaches at Haverhill . . .
Because of Indiana’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and strong budget reserves, Hoosier employers will be relieved of a burdensome tax on hiring next year.
During the height of the Great Recession, most states across the nation relied on millions . . .
On Tuesday, November 17, the Indiana General Assembly will convene at the Statehouse for the ceremonial start of the 2016 legislative session. “Organization Day,” as it’s commonly referred to, provides legislators an opportunity to meet with . . .
While state and local governments have many obligations to their citizens, one of the most important ones is improving and maintaining roads.
Indiana, often labeled the “Crossroads of America,” is one of many states across the nation grappling with . . .
For many young Hoosiers, the path to a productive and successful future will involve a college degree. Likewise, Indiana’s future depends on the hard work and robust education of our students.
To assist families in planning ahead for college, the . . .
In today’s competitive job market, quality internship experience can make the difference in landing a job.
The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus offers an exceptional internship program for students and recent graduates who are looking to build their . . .
No one expects to be impacted by natural or man-made disasters, but when these circumstances occur, it’s vitally important to be prepared. September is Preparedness Month in Indiana, providing Hoosiers an opportunity to be prepared should disaster . . .
Over the past few years, the General Assembly has taken steps to ensure that Indiana’s worst criminals are kept behind bars, and low-level, non-violent offenders have opportunities to get their lives back on track. This multi-year legislative effort . . .
This year, I sponsored a legislative ethics reform law aimed at providing greater transparency requirements for elected officeholders and enhancing public trust in Indiana’s government.
The Indiana General Assembly functions as a part-time, citizen . . .
As Indiana closes the books on fiscal year 2015, Hoosiers have good reason to be proud of our state’s fiscal prudence and stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
The General Assembly has successfully funded top priorities including education and infrastructure, . . .
Indiana’s continued prosperity depends on a healthy business climate, low tax burden and pro-growth policies. During the 2015 legislative session, the General Assembly passed legislation to continue building on our strong foundation in these areas.
Senate . . .
Although the Indiana General Assembly concluded the 2015 legislative session on April 29, many of the new laws enacted this year didn’t go into effect until the start of the state’s new fiscal year on July 1.
These changes reflect a wide variety . . .
Each year during the General Assembly’s legislative session, a number of issues arise that require further in-depth study and discussion before being addressed with proposed legislation.
Based on these issues, members of the General Assembly’s Legislative . . .
I recently appointed long-time Allen County educator Dr. Steve Yager to serve on the Indiana State Board of Education (SBOE), which plays a critical role in the state’s K-12 education system. Yager’s dedication to academic excellence will . . .
While many important issues were discussed during the 2015 legislative session, the state’s biennial budget was a primary focus the past four months. The enacted budget, House Enrolled Act 1001, is balanced and concentrated on funding Indiana’s . . .
The Indiana General Assembly has officially adjourned “sine die,” signaling the conclusion of the 2015 legislative session.
From the outset, I joined with other state leaders in calling for this to be an education session. Indiana’s . . .
For the past ten years, Indiana has been committed to passing honest and responsible budgets. Indiana has earned its excellent fiscal reputation by upholding a simple idea – that we must spend no more than we take in. My fellow legislators and . . .
The right of each person to practice his or her religious faith is one of America’s foundational principles. In fact, the Framers of the Constitution thought religious liberty was so important that they made it the first right guaranteed in the . . .