State Representative Lehe Thinks School Should Start after Labor Day

In Representative Lehe’s opinion, the first day of school should start after Labor Day.  The Post-Tribune details that air-conditioning costs would decline if school started a couple weeks after the current start date which is in Mid-August.  Also, families would have more opportunity to take vacations with their children before cold weather and fall hits.  This plan mimics Michigan’s behavior.  Michigan found that it was beneficial to both families and the state economy regarding tourism to start school two weeks later.

State Rep Don Lehe Attended Memorial Ceremony

The Herald Tribune posted that Representative Lehe attended a memorial ceremony for victims of terrorism.

Pepple's work isn't over, as he will open the presentation ceremony Saturday and ensure verything goes smoothly. His efforts will bring the fallen soldiers' families, dignitaries from White County, military attendees, fellow Rotarians (who will don white hats for the occasion), State Representative Don Lehe, State Senator Brandt Hershman, U.S. Representative Steve Buyer (who will also dedicate the memorial) and more.

Don Lehe picks up important endorsements

We're pleased to announce that Rep. Lehe just received a flood of endorsements from important organizations that know of Don's leadership and count on him to represent the citizens of House District 15 well at the Statehouse.

Take a look: Northwest Times, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Indiana Farmers Bureau, Indiana Manufacturers' Association, All Children Matter, National Rifle Association.

You can also check out our new television commercial here.

New Don Lehe website

Check out State Representative Don Lehe's new website at www.donlehe.com.

Lehe works to help homeowners rebuild

In response to massive flooding in parts of Indiana, Rep. Don Lehe has joined with Senator Hershman to help devastated homeowners.

Monticello Herald-Journal:

Legislation intended to allow homeowners to rebuild after flood damage and prevent further substantial damage to homes was signed by the governor recently.

Senate Bill 104 was introduced Jan. 8 in response to the disastrous flooding surrounding that date, after state Senator Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) was notified by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) of discrepancies between Indiana and federal laws concerning flood plain construction.

Hershman authored the legislation, and was later joined by co-sponsor Don Lehe (R-Brookston) on Jan. 29.

"I think it gives people who are affected by the previous law the measure of certainty they need to move forward if they wish to rebuild," said Hershman.

The bill modifies Indiana Code 14-28-1, which deals with permitting for flood plain construction. SB 104 removes language that does not allow home reconstruction when substantial damage (damage equal to or more than 50 percent of the home's value) occurs by flooding. The existing language states that a homeowner cannot begin reconstruction of a residence that is located in a floodway and is substantially damaged by a means other than floodwater, unless the person has obtained a permit.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regulations already require the homeowners to comply with the changes made by SB 104, and the legislation eliminates the differences to create less hassle during the permitting process for homeowners.

"It gives (homeowners) a peace of mind of knowing that they're not going to have to wade through conflicting regulation between the state and federal levels," Hershman explained.