February, 2008

Indiana politico Brian Howey ran a blurb in his daily wire about retirements in the House.

Eight House incumbents declined to seek re-election as filing deadline passed on Friday (Howey Politics Indiana). They include: Democrats Joe Micon, Dave Crooks, Phil Hoy and David Orentlicher and Carolene Mays who are seeking the 7th CD. House Republicans decling to run include Eric Gutwein, Mike Ripley and Larry Buell. (emphasis ours)

The Michigan City News Dispatch published a short article about Senate Bill 241, co-sponsored by Rep. Tom Dermody, that would improve homeland security in Indiana.

The Indiana House of Representatives has unanimously passed Senate Bill 241, which is intended to improve homeland security in Indiana. Rep. Tom Dermody, R-La Porte, was a co-sponsor of the bill that passed by a 93-0 vote. The bill expands the state disaster relief fund to allow for financial assistance to be utilized by local governments for repairing, replacing or restoring public facilities and residential properties damaged or destroyed by a disaster. "This bill makes some important improvements to our disaster and security response methods here in Indiana," said Dermody. "Ensuring that our cities and towns are financially reimbursed for their efforts after they clean up a disaster site is only fair, in view of the fact that they are the ones doing the work." SB 241 was returned to the Senate, which had passed the bill 47-0, with amendments. Differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill will be resolved by a conference committee.

While proud of his record while at the Statehouse, McClain noted there is more work to be done at the Indiana General Assembly.

"First and foremost, we must implement permanent property tax relief. Also, fixing our state's system of school funding, attracting jobs through the development of our infrastructure, supporting Indiana agriculture and promoting fiscal responsibility are still at the top of my list of priorities. I will continue to fight for these issues as we continue to make Indiana a better place for Hoosiers to live," McClain said.

A former township trustee and Logansport City Engineer, before McClain worked with the city as a public official, he served in the United States Navy and received a degree from Purdue University.

"A background in my own small business and in electronics manufacturing makes me particularly aware of the needs and concerns of our district. As a concerned citizen, I have dedicated myself to being involved and want to be part of wise and frugal use of our state's money," McClain said.

Representative Knollman recently spoke with voters in Liberty, IN about legislative issues. There he made the common sense Republican case for allowing voters to have input on school construction projects.

From the Palladium Item:

Knollman, R-Liberty, said his constituent survey showed people want the right to vote on building projects.

"Do we think voters are dumb? Do we think they're stupid? We need to look at referendums," Knollman said.

We learned last year that Democrat State Representative Joe Micon will not be running for re-election in HD26. As WTHR reported, HD26 is one of the most closely divided seats between Democrats and Republicans in the state.

The Lafayette Journal and Courier is reporting that West Lafayette City Council member Randy Truitt is holding a press conference today to make an announcement. Stay tuned.

House Republicans have long supported a simple concept: Good teachers should be paid more. With our children’s future in their hands, we believe that we should pay teachers enough to attract the best people. We should also reward the best teachers. We can do this by increasing pay for teachers that test well in their area of expertise. We should also reward teachers whose students perform well.

This common sense policy is supported heavily by Indiana voters.

The Democrats, however, are held hostage by the Indianapolis lobbyists for the teachers union. They oppose merit-based pay increases like many unions. So again, the common sense policies that Hoosiers support are being rejected by the Democrats in favor of the special interests.

The Richmond newspaper wrote an excellent article updating voters on the progress of a bill co-authored by State Representative Tom Knollman.

A bill co-authored by state Rep. Tom Knollman, R-Union, to help foster children was approved unanimously this week by the Indiana House and moves to the Senate.

The bill requires the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority to transport foster children to and from their foster homes and school. It also requires each school district to appoint a liaison for homeless children in the district, to make sure the children have access to local resources, programs and services related to homelessness.

Washington Times: Messmer Seeks GOP Nod for District 63 Seat

At the time of the filing, Messmer noted, “Today, we are taking the next step of this campaign. After knocking on hundreds of doors and meeting thousands of voters, I know that the people of Southern Indiana are tired of status-quo politicians and are ready for the fair representation that they deserve.”

“I am truly grateful for the outpouring of support that I have received on the campaign trail thus far,” Messmer said. “This campaign has been about real ideas as we try to bring an end to the political games of Indianapolis. I look forward to meeting more people as we spread the message of true leadership for Southern Indiana.”

Messmer has been endorsed by all Republican County Chairmen in the district. House District 63 includes parts of Daviess, Dubois, Pike, and Martin counties.