Local Lawmakers Weigh In On 2012 Session

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – With the 117th Indiana General Assembly coming to a close on Saturday, lawmakers from southeast Indiana have issued statements.

Here they are:

Sen. Johnny Nugent (R-Lawrenceburg)

“I’m very pleased with the hard work and dedication demonstrated by my fellow legislators this session. Although we all have varying opinions, it helps to remember that — when it comes down to it — we’re all doing what we think is in the best interest of Hoosiers back home.

“I’m also thrilled to have supported many major pieces of legislation this year, including an effort to strengthen protections against sexual exploitation for Indiana minors. Senate Enrolled Act 4 was the first bill signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels this year, improving our human trafficking statutes.

“Legislators also approved an initiative I sponsored to help ensure local emergency crews have access to the equipment needed for saving lives and responding to crises. House Enrolled Act 1052 would require the Indiana Department of Administration to award quantity purchase agreements to vendors and offer bulk pricing to local crews, effectively lowering costs for the needed tools.

“There are still countless more issues I could discuss that aim to help improve the lives of people in the Hoosier state — including the Senate Republican measure to address the controversial Barnes v. State ruling and promote homeowners’ right to defend their property or the initiative to phase out Indiana’s inheritance tax, which is one of the highest in the country.

“Legislators ended the 2012 session on a high note, and our state may be better in the long run because of the work done here.”

Rep. Jud McMillin (R-Brookville)

“Despite a divisive start to session, we were able to come together to pass legislation that will help Hoosiers across the state. One of our top priorities this year was to provide all Hoosiers workers the choice to decide whether or not to financially support a union.  Indiana now joins 22 other Right to Work states which have enjoyed three times the job growth of other states.

“Other accomplishments include providing an additional $80-$100 million dollars to completely fund full day kindergarten, making additional compensation available to the victims and families of the State Fair tragedy and if there are excess reserves, provide taxpayers a modest refund.

“This year, I carried legislation to encourage people in tough situations to make better decisions and help rather than avoid the law. I also worked on legislation that will improve our criminal code system, protect Indiana’s rich heritage by preserving historic cemeteries where our soldiers are buried, and phase out Indiana inheritance tax in Indiana.

“One bill I authored, drug testing for welfare recipients, passed the House with strong bipartisan support and we made substantial strides towards bringing meaningful entitlement reform to our state.  

“These last two years, the Indiana General Assembly has faced a unique set of challenges, but with hard work and a deliberate approach we’ve achieved many of our goals to strengthen Indiana.”

Rep. Randy Frye (R-Greensburg)

“Being my first term as a state representative, I’ve learned so much from the leaders within the General Assembly and throughout the state.

“A part of the legislative process is learning from the ups and downs that come with session, but, more importantly, it’s about coming together to find common sense solutions and overcoming our differences through civil discourse.

“Throughout my term, I’ve remained focused on incentivizing job creation and bringing economic prosperity to all Hoosiers.

“I’m proud to return to my district knowing the legislation enacted during my tenure will have a positive impact on Hoosiers. The heart and soul of each bill stems from my constituents continued input and advocacy, and for that I’m eternally thankful.”

Rep. Tom Knollman (R-Liberty)

“My last legislative session could not have been more productive or positive; the amount of work we were able to pass is going to be historic for our state and district. Being the first representative elected from Union County since 1930, I am especially proud to have had to opportunity to serve my constituents. Although it was a short session, 2012 proved to be a prolific year at the Indiana Statehouse.

“The legislation we passed regarding education, the economy and military relief for our active duty members and their families are just some highlights of this year. I am confident that the advancements will be everlasting for our state and district.”

Gov. Mitch Daniels

“Thanks to the members of the General Assembly for another extraordinarily productive session, and, on top of that, one that finished ahead of schedule. Full-day kindergarten for every Indiana 5-year-old, after all our years of effort, is certainly a highlight for me. But 2012 also saw a host of other breakthroughs: protections against secondhand smoke, a ‘credit creep’ bill to promote college affordability, a phase-out of the inheritance tax and right to work, to name a few.

“My biggest regret is that we only achieved two of the local government reforms that we sought, but still that marks forward progress and I hope a foundation for future improvements.”