April, 2008

The Elkhart eTruth presents the schedule for State Representative Tim Neese’s town hall meetings.

State Rep. Tim Neese, R-Elkhart, will host five town hall meetings around District 48 through mid-May, giving the public a chance to discuss the 2008 legislative session.

The gatherings will be:

* May 8, 7 to 8 p.m. in the Mayor's Conference Room at Elkhart City Hall, 229 S. Second St., Elkhart

* May 14, 7 to 8 p.m. in the Granger Missionary Church library, 50841 Birch Road, Granger.

State Reps Eric Turner and Tim Harris were both very involved in the early stages of bringing a new Ivy Tech Campus to Grant County. The Marion Chronicle-Tribune reported that it was a day of celebration for them on Saturday when they dedicated the new facility.

State Rep. Tim Harris, R-Marion, reflected on what he called a “tough day” in Marion’s history when the Thomson plant closed in 2004, cutting more than 800 manufacturing jobs. He said on the same day he took a call from Henry Olynger, offering to donate land for the campus. Local developer Gary Oradat also donated land. Harris said the economic growth in the county since the closing of the TV picture tube manufacturing factory was a result of such community involvement.

“This is happening because people are working together in unprecedented ways in Grant County,” he said.

Turner was equally positive.

State Rep. P. Eric Turner, R-Marion, called the building a dream come true for him.

“I’ll never forget the look on (Ivy Tech Executive Director) John Lightle’s face and (Marion Mayor) Wayne Seybold’s face when I said, ‘We’re going to build a new building in (Marion),’” Turner said.

From the Brown County Democrat:

School corporations with loans made through this act may repay them from any source of revenue, as well. By not limiting the funds from which schools can repay these loans, the act allows a greater flexibility that saves schools from being bound to funds that may be struggling or unable to repay the loans.

Brown County Superintendent of Schools David Shaffer had been waiting for news on the bill when contacted last week to discuss House Enrolled Act 1125 (2008).

"You've given me very good news this morning," he said, after discussing potential applications for the loans, which could include paying off tax anticipation warrants as they come due.

Now that the bill has the Governor's signature, Mr. Shaffer will begin an in-depth analysis of possible uses, looking for areas and situations where such loans can be used to greatest effect.

"I want to acknowledge Representative Koch," Mr. Shaffer noted.

Adam Nelson was on Hoosier Access radio this month.  Check it out.

State Representative Jackie Walorski served as an instructor for the Women’s Campaign College at IUSB last week.  Several of the attendees, even those from the Green Party, had great words to say about her instructions.

Check them out:

If We Only Connect Blog

Progressives, South Bend

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

Reps. Brian Bosma and Eric Turner visited New Albany last week to continue to promote the Republican property tax relief program passed this general assembly.

The News and Tribune:

The two were in Evansville on Wednesday before making the drive to New Albany. Their message has been one of support for the property-tax relief package, which will include $620 million in aid for 2008.

“The burden of property taxes was becoming unbearable for homeowners,” Turner said.