Lawmakers frequently hear from parents and educators that too much time is spent on testing in our schools.
This concern was highlighted earlier this year when the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) unexpectedly announced that the spring ISTEP test . . .
The second half of the legislative session is in full swing at the Indiana Statehouse. At this point, all 174 bills passed by the House during the first half are now in the hands of the Senate, and the 220 bills passed by the Senate have been sent . . .
The Indiana General Assembly’s 2015 legislative session has officially reached its halfway point. At this time, all bills that have passed the Senate will move to the House of Representatives where they may be assigned to a committee for further . . .
The General Assembly is currently considering five Senate proposals that work to reduce violent crime in Indiana. These bills are important for all Hoosiers because it isn’t just direct victims who suffer from criminal activity. Families, schools, . . .
A strong education system is one of the most important assets a state can have. Effective K-12 schooling lays the foundation for success in higher education and trade industries. This results in a strong workforce, which helps our economy and Hoosier . . .
Members of the Indiana General Assembly are back at the Statehouse and legislative business is underway for the 2015 session.
Thank you to those in Senate District 16 who have already completed my 2015 legislative survey. I truly value your input as . . .
The Indiana General Assembly will convene for the 2015 legislative session on Jan. 6. The input and ideas of those living in Senate District 16 are very important to me as I shape my approach to the issues discussed in the Senate.
There are many ways . . .
The Indiana General Assembly’s 2015 legislative session will be soon be underway. The upcoming session will be particularly notable because legislators will be working together to pass a comprehensive state budget that will fund government services . . .
November is the beginning of the holiday season and it also marks the ceremonial start of Indiana’s next legislative session. On Tuesday November 18, lawmakers convened at the Statehouse for “Organization Day,” the official first . . .
One of our greatest callings as Americans is to support those who have fought to protect our country’s freedom. Veterans Day, on November 11, provides the opportunity to honor these brave men and women who have sacrificed so much to serve their . . .
Children thrive when they are in safe, caring environments. One of my top priorities as a lawmaker is to protect Indiana’s children and help ensure that they are given every opportunity to succeed.
Since the creation of Indiana’s Department . . .
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and with an average of 4,100 Hoosiers facing a breast cancer diagnosis every year, this disease is something that must be faced head on.
In many cases, women are not prompted to go to the doctor or seek medical . . .
Internships are essential to getting ahead in today’s competitive job market. The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus offers a variety of full-time internships for students to gain experience and get a closer look at the state legislature.
The Senate’s . . .
Indiana’s economy is growing and advancing. Our workforce must also grow and adapt to meet the demands of a competitive job market.
Vocational training and a college education are becoming more vital for securing high-quality, long-term employment. . . .
Indiana has worked to establish a strong reputation for responsible money management. By maintaining an honestly balanced state budget and keeping taxes low, living in Indiana has become synonymous with taking home more of your paycheck.
Just as it . . .
Before summer comes to a close, I encourage you and your family to take time and enjoy all that Indiana has to offer. Our state is blessed with historic and vibrant small towns, beautiful forests, scenic waterways, lake-front beaches and more.
Indiana . . .
Indiana recently closed out another fiscal year of balanced budgets and significant reserves. As the national deficit continues to climb and other states operate in the red year after year, this is a welcome reminder of why it’s great to be a . . .
A recent survey by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce found that nearly 40 percent of Indiana employers left jobs open because they were unable to find qualified candidates.
As our state economy advances, we must have a workforce to match. Too many . . .
When Indiana’s part-time legislature is not in session, lawmakers serve on interim study committees that meet to review key issues facing our state. These committees lay the groundwork for future legislation and are a critical component of Indiana’s . . .
Many Americans are concerned about the size and scope of our federal government. For too long, we have stood by as the federal government overstepped its constitutional bounds, and infringed on the rights and freedoms of states and individual citizens . . .
Many laws passed during the 2014 legislative session will take effect on July 1. These key reforms work to better protect our children, increase public safety, assist veterans and more. I encourage you and your family to stay informed about new policies . . .
Memorial Day is just around the corner. It’s often viewed as a time to enjoy family and friends, and usher in summer. Unfortunately, the true meaning of this important day is often lost to picnics and parties.
As designated by Congress, Memorial . . .
The economy is changing. Businesses and industries are more high-tech, and today’s jobs demand a skill set to match. Going to college or seeking specialized training is quickly becoming a prerequisite to secure well-paying employment.
A recent . . .
Taxpayers should demand a transparent, efficient government. In Indiana, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and keeping taxpayers informed are always top priorities.
As proof of this commitment, the U.S. Public Interest Research Group recently . . .
Most of us know at least one Hoosier veteran – whether it’s our father, niece or neighbor. These brave men and women dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom, and we must take every opportunity to thank them for their service.
This spring, . . .
As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to hear about families who have lost a child due to drug or alcohol abuse. Unfortunately, dangerous behaviors, like binge drinking, are far too common among young people, especially on college campuses.
According . . .
For Hoosier high school students, college is just around the corner. More jobs today require a college degree or some type of post-secondary training, and financially planning for this next step can be daunting.
College costs remain far too high, and . . .
The General Assembly is currently at its halfway point. The Senate has passed many legislative proposals aimed at improving our economy, schools and Hoosier workforce. Bipartisanship is strong in the Indiana Senate – 99 percent of bills passed with . . .
As Hoosiers, we understand how important it is to assist our veterans and create the best environment for them to succeed when they return home from service.
Early last year, president and CEO of the Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation, Charles Haenlein, . . .
As the holiday season comes to a close, it’s important to reflect on a year gone by but also to set new goals for 2014. The next legislative session is just a few days away, and this year I have several wishes for Indiana.
Hoosiers can be proud . . .