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| Protecting Hoosiers from Foreign Adversaries |
While national defense is primarily the responsibility of the federal government, Indiana Senate Republicans have been working to protect Hoosiers from foreign adversaries like China, Russia and Iran.
As part of these efforts, the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) recently completed a $1.2 billion divestment from Chinese government-controlled assets.
This effort stems from a new law I supported that required INPRS to divest from these entities because I believe Hoosiers' tax dollars should not be invested in companies controlled by the Chinese Communist Party.
This year, I also supported laws that:
For more information about our state's efforts to divest from our foreign adversaries, click here. |
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| Indiana National Guard Deployment in Middle East and Texas |
Middle East Deployment
On Monday, the Indiana National Guard announced nearly 600 soldiers with the 38th Infantry Division will deploy to the Middle East to support Operation Spartan Shield.
Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry explained Operation Spartan Shield as a U.S. operation to strengthen defense relationships and build partner capacity through leader engagements, multinational exercises and response planning.
This overseas deployment is expected to last nearly nine months, with the entirety of the mobilization lasting approximately one year. To start, the division troops will spend the next month training at Fort Cavasos in Texas before they head to the Middle East.
To read the full press release, click here.
Update on Texas Deployment
Deployed back in early April of this year, we currently have 50 soldiers from the Indiana National Guard serving in the Texas border town of El Paso to support Operation Lone Star.
Launched in 2021 by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Operation Lone Star (OLS) is a border security initiative in response to rising border crossings which have allowed for masses of illegal immigrants and deadly drugs to enter the U.S.
Below is data provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety, published in July 2024.
- Since the launch of OLS, the multi-agency effort has led to over 516,300 illegal immigrant apprehensions. In addition, OLS has resulted in more than 45,300 criminal arrests, with more than 39,400 felony charges reported.
- In the fight against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized more than 505 million lethal doses of fentanyl during this border mission.
- Texas has seen a 74% decrease in illegal crossings due to the state's border security efforts.
To learn more about OLS, click here.
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Programs and Grants for Local Government
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Districts across Indiana can utilize state-funded grants and other programs to maintain and improve their communities. Highlighted below is
one of many grants and programs offered or administered by the state of Indiana.
Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grant
This program assists local governments to develop, improve and implement emergency plans, and train public sector hazardous materials emergency response employees to respond to accidents and incidents involving hazardous materials in transportation.
From fiscal year 2023 to present, Senate District 17 has received $24,129 in funding through Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness Grants.
To learn about the grants available to local governments, click here. |
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Empowering Rural Communities
The state recently announced the opening of a new initiative aimed at enhancing rural communities across Indiana.
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.jpg) | Wishing a 'Happy Birthday' to the following residents of Senate District 17 for the month of September! |
Deanna Cole, 80 years old
Oscar Stevenson, 81 years old
Anita Brown, 82 years old
Terry Wilson, 83 years old
Kelly Metzger, 84 years old
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Mike Bartholomew, 85 years old
Lisa Craig, 86 years old
Jeffrey Sollars, 87 years old
Gina Murrell, 88 years old
Ricky Summers, 89 years old |
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