E Newsletter

Dear Friend,

Each month, Hoosiers continue to see our statewide unemployment rate fall. Right now, Indiana’s statewide unemployment rate is 3.6 percent, lower than the national average (4.4) and of all four bordering states. Economists generally agree a rate below 5 percent indicates a strong economy. Recently, the Department of Workforce Development released local unemployment rates, and these promising numbers prove that Indiana is moving in the right direction.

This past April, Johnson County’s unemployment rate was 2.2 percent, down from 3.7 in April 2016.

It’s encouraging to see more Hoosiers working than ever before. By 2022, it is estimated there will be nearly 1 million additional jobs that need to be filled in Indiana. The General Assembly recently created a new law to ensure that Indiana continues to have a strong and growing workforce, by establishing Workforce Ready Grants for high-value occupational certificates.

These grants will cover any remaining costs after state and federal financial aid for students pursing a certification required in a high-demand, high-wage job. With this law, we hope to encourage non-traditional students to seek certified training or go back to college and complete their degree under the Adult Student Grant.

Along with these investments, this new state policy maintains that all workforce development programs are working together and their performance is being tracked. Overall, this focused approach provides Hoosiers with more immediate results, ensuring that our efforts are producing lasting and comprehensive improvements to Indiana’s workforce development system.

Nonetheless, there is still work to be done as we strive to make Indiana the ideal place to build a career, start a business and raise a family.

Sincerely,

State Rep. Woody Burton

Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting our country and the freedoms we enjoy today.

We also remember and pray for the loved ones of our fallen heroes. Our appreciation for those who died defending the blessings of liberty is boundless.

To help protect war memorials around the state, I supported anew law this year allowing local governments to transfer ownership of these memorials and monuments to non-profit organizations who will see to their maintenance and upkeep, such as veterans groups or the Boys Scouts. By allowing these collaborative arrangements, we can prevent memorials dedicated to fallen Hoosier heroes from slipping into disrepair.

We also passed legislation focused on helping our veterans and their families.

I voted for a new law to allow surviving spouses of veterans to indicate their status on their driver’s licenses or identification cards. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles will share this information with the Indiana Department of Veterans’ Affairs in order to ensure these families are connected with their county veteran service officers, who have specialized training and can offer resources and assistance.

The recently enacted two-year state budget also provides $1.82 million in funding for veteran service organizations, such as the American Legion and AMVETS, to improve assistance for veteran families seeking benefits and doubles funding for veteran problem-solving courts to $2 million.

As you enjoy Memorial Day weekend, please join me in remembering our fallen service members and those who are serving overseas today.

Sincerely,

State Rep. Woody Burton

Dear Friend,

When I was younger, my family and I were all victims of domestic violence. One night, my estranged father broke into our home and forced my mother to leave with him at gunpoint. She was missing for four days, before she was able to escape and return home.

I share this story whenever I get the chance because I want to give people hope that their past and current circumstances don’t define their future. Growing up, I was often told that I would never be anything more than trash. Now, I’m a state representative and a small-business owner.

I’m in a unique position, as I am able to share my experience with many people, which I did at the International Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., where I lead the session on Securing Freedom of Conscience. I want to ensure you that my trip was not funded by taxpayer dollars, as I believe it is my responsibility to collaborate with leaders and learn from others.

Through my family’s story, I emphasized that no one can tell you who you will be or how your future will turn out.

I want to be a resource to you and your family, and if there is any way I can help you, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. You can contact me at h58@iga.in.gov or 317­-232­-9648.

Sincerely,

State Rep. Woody Burton

On this special day of sharing, I want to thank you for allowing me to serve our community. I am grateful for your support and wish you and your family many blessings this holiday season.

Happy Thanksgiving,

State Rep. Woody Burton

Dear Friend,

Our state is home to nearly 500,000 small businesses that employ more than 1.2 million Hoosiers. Indiana’s economy depends on our friends, family and neighbors who embrace the entrepreneurial spirit by starting their own business.

As consumers, we can do our part by shopping at locally owned businesses. On Saturday, Nov. 26, the nation will be celebrating Small Business Saturday to recognize and support small businesses.

Click here to find local shops to check out. You can help promote Small Business Saturday on Twitter by clicking here.

Indiana also offers INBiz, a one-stop resource for small-business owners. Whether you want to start a new business, register a company name or file required paperwork, INBiz can help you along the way. The Indiana Department of Revenue also offers the New and Small Business Education Center to help small-business owners better understand state laws, the tax-filing process and what services are available to help as your business grows.

Small businesses in our community bring jobs, innovation and progress to our state, and they deserve our support.

Sincerely,

State Rep. Woody Burton