During the 2023 legislative session, legislators tackled a myriad of important issues — taxes, education, public safety, mental health, healthcare costs, and more — sending 252 bills to Governor Eric Holcomb's desk for his signature. 

The vast majority of them are now in effect, and our Republican statehouse caucuses have released updates on some of the most important laws that Hoosiers should know about.

House Republicans are highlighting legislation like HEA 1002, which will boost high school relevancy for students, and HEA 1499, which will provide Hoosier homeowners over $100 million in property tax relief beginning next year. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are highlighting legislation like SEA 1, which will expand access to mental health care across the state, and SEA 35, which will require students to successfully complete a personal financial literacy course before graduation. And legislation like HEA 1001, the state budget, that will save taxpayers an additional $430 million over the next two years.

These are just a few of the reasons why Governor Holcomb noted that the 2023 legislative session will have a "generational impact" on Hoosiers.

I encourage you to check out their updates to see just what all Republicans are delivering for Hoosiers. 

Sincerely,

Chairman Kyle Hupfer

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Governor Eric Holcomb stands with newly-appointed Judge Paul Felix (center) and Danny Lopez of the Indiana Commission on Judicial Qualifications (right).

Late last week, Governor Eric Holcomb announced the he had selected Hamilton County Judge Paul Felix as the newest member of the Indiana Court of Appeals. Judge Felix will fill the vacancy left by the retiring Judge Margret G. Robb.

What he's saying: "Judge Felix is passionate about ensuring all Hoosiers have access to the justice system."

• "Through his work he has become an expert in administration of justice, a team player with his judiciary counterparts, and a community leader in juvenile justice reform."

Details: Since 2014, Judge Felix has chaired the Hamilton County Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative, helped develop the Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program, both of which prevent at-risk youth from entering the justice system.

• In a release from Gov. Holcomb's office, Judge Felix reacted to his appointment stating, “I am immensely honored to have received the governor's appointment to the Indiana Court of Appeals. It is quite humbling to follow Judge Robb's tradition of judicial leadership and compassion for the community." 

You can watch a livestream of the announcement and hear more remarks, here.

More: Gov. Holcomb released a video message on Independence Day. Watch it here.

The candidate: Meet Jon Costas — a proven leader with proven results who helped make Valparaiso the "jewel of northwest Indiana."

• Learn more and get involved with the campaign by visiting www.joncostas.com.

On November 7, elect Jon Costas mayor of Valparaiso!

From National Review:

"President Biden is on a 'Bidenomics' tour, trumpeting what he claims are his administration’s economic gains. His effort comes as no surprise. In the RealClearPolitics average of the polls, only about 38 percent of Americans approve of Biden’s job on the economy. To date, the Biden administration’s efforts to convince Americans otherwise have fallen way short of the mark. The problems lie not with Biden’s rhetoric but rather with his policies — and economic reality.

"Case in point: In an effort to avoid responsibility for a still-surging inflation rate while claiming credit for slowing it, Biden’s economic team recently posted a video boldly stating, 'Here Are the Facts.' The first of these purported facts is, 'Under the Biden Harris Administration Inflation Has Fallen.' Unfortunately, that’s just not true."

Story continues.

Every day, thousands of our bravest pin on their badge and head out the door, not knowing whether they will return or not, but willing to put it all on the line to protect their fellow Hoosiers.

Sadly, over the past two weeks, Indiana has lost two of our bravest: Indiana State Trooper Aaron Smith and Tell City Police Sergeant Heather Glenn.

Please keep their families, friends, colleagues, and communities in your thoughts and prayers.

In The Hill:

"A recently released report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found the use of non-compete agreements is widespread throughout the U.S. labor market and restricts job mobility, lowers wages for workers, and discourages innovation.

"GAO found that workers’ job mobility is reduced in states that are more likely to enforce non-compete agreements, and states that limit these clauses see increased wages, on average. The studies reviewed by GAO also showed that enforcement of non-compete agreements may restrain the creation of new businesses — especially in the tech and science industries — due to increased probability of litigation and greater costs of recruiting and hiring staff.

"... We need to free the vast majority of American workers from the burden of non-compete clauses. The freedom to leave, after all, is central to the right to rise. And there are few things more American than that."

Op-ed continues.

The bill: HB 1006 (mental health programs), signed May 4, 2023.

The details: HB 1006 aims to divert Hoosiers suffering from mental health issues away from jail and into a treatment center. 

• Those people must then be assessed by a mental health professional within 48 hours before being placed in front of a judge to determine if they should be detained any longer.

Biden’s claim that “Bidenomics is working” couldn’t be further from the truth. In Biden’s America, savings are down, real wages are down, and economic confidence is down.

The facts: Americans have lost over $10,000 on average paying for the increased cost of living since Biden took office.

• 74 percent of Americans say their financial situation is not improving, with almost half saying their financial situation is actively “getting worse”, according to a recent Harvard CAPS / Harris poll.

• America's outlook on retirement is now at an 11-year low, with one in four Americans cutting back on retirement savings.
• Real weekly wages have fallen every month since Biden and Democrats passed their wasteful $1.9 trillion "stimulus" package.

What is true? Americans are not happy with Biden's economy.

July 22: Adams County Ronald Reagan Ice Cream Social

Events past these dates are available on our website and will be added to the newsletter as we get closer to them.

Governor Eric Holcomb celebrates Independence Day and remembers those who have fought to protect our country

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch launches Military Monuments and Museums Intiative

Secretary of State Diego Morales speaks at Chin Youth Organization of North American convention

Attorney General Todd Rokita denounces Indy Star comments on education control

State Comptroller Tera Klutz announces office to become "State Comptroller"

Treasurer of State Daniel Elliott visits Hanock county fairgrounds

U.S. Sen. Todd Young concludes Housing Affordability Tour in Merrillville

U.S. Sen. Mike Braun inspects Cedar Lake Police Department’s dredging project

Congressman Rudy Yakym offers condolences for the family of fallen police seargant

Congressman Jim Banks releases statement on progress in defense manufacturing

Congressman Jim Baird completes interview discussing House agriculture priorities

Congresswoman Victoria Spartz comments on AI as ineffective solution to debt crisis

Congressman Greg Pence connects with cabinet on agricultural issues

Congressman Larry Bucshon speaks on Supreme Court affirmative action decision

Congresswoman Erin Houchin releases statement on mobility loss in hospital patients

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