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Giving back this Thanksgiving

Wednesday, November 27th, 2013

I want to wish you and yours a joyous Thanksgiving this year. We all know the story of the Wampanoag Indians and the Plymouth colonists feasting together in 1621. Together, they set the tone of this national holiday as a day to put aside differences, give thanks for the year’s many blessings and enjoy a feast in the company of loved ones.

This year, I am looking forward to spending the day surrounded by my loving family and close friends while we reflect and share the many blessings we have.

I am thankful for the strength, love and support my family has given me. I am thankful for our armed forces who bravely defend our freedoms and liberties each and everyday. I am also thankful and humbled by the opportunity to serve as your voice at the Statehouse.

While your friends and family are gathered to enjoy turkey and football, please take a moment to reflect on the many blessings around you.

This is the time of year for selflessness and helping those in need. I encourage you to get involved in our community to offer support to those who need it. There are many ways to get active in the community such as:

Visiting Indiana’s volunteer Web site at www.in.gov/ofbci/volunteer/.
The American Red Cross is always in need of blood donations, if this is something that interests you please visit www.redcross.org/find-your-local-chapter.
Meals on Wheels delivers nutritional meals to elderly, disabled and home-bound members of the community, find out more at www.mowaa.org/findameal.
Donate to a food pantry near you. Find one here.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving with your family and friends!

Posted in E Newsletter | 348 Responses »

Dyslexia Awareness Month

Thursday, October 10th, 2013

In honor of Dyslexia Awareness Month, members of Decoding Dyslexia Indiana, a grassroots movement driven by Indiana families to raise awareness about dyslexia, attended the Commission on Education meeting on Tuesday. I had the opportunity to speak about dyslexia while members of Decoding Dyslexia passed out awareness pins.

When Greenwood resident Cheryl Clemens first approached me at the Johnson County Fair this summer, I was surprised to learn that according to the National Institutes of Health and the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity, dyslexia is a language-based learning disability that affects one in five students. Dyslexia may affect an individual’s ability to read, write, spell and pronounce words. The degree of difficulty a dyslexic person has with such tasks varies from person to person.

Despite the commonness of dyslexia, misconceptions about the learning disability still remain. Dyslexia occurs in people of all backgrounds and is unrelated to intelligence. Dyslexia does not limit one’s ability to think, speak or be creative. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Some filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg have dyslexia in addition to business leaders like Charles Schwab. Even Apple founder Steve Jobs had dyslexia.

Let’s take time to educate ourselves about dyslexia and consider what we can to ensure a bright future for all Indiana students.

Posted in E Newsletter | 3,667 Responses »

Advocating on behalf of the Autism community

Friday, August 9th, 2013

At the American Legislative Exchange Council annual meeting in Chicago I had the opportunity to meet with two representatives from Autism Speaks , the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. They were Lorri Unumb (right) and Judith Ursitti (left).

In 2005, I coauthored House Enrolled Act 1075 which prevented health insurance companies from classifying Autism as a preexisting condition.

I was pleased to meet with Lorri and Judith who have spent most of their careers fighting to reform state health insurance laws to ensure coverage for Autism, an area where Indiana was a true leader. I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish, and I look forward to further achievements on behalf of the Autism community.

Posted in E Newsletter, email update, Uncategorized | 3,608 Responses »

Helpful back to school resources

Saturday, August 3rd, 2013

Move over, summer – it’s time for school to begin! A new school year brings endless amounts of potential and new opportunities. Below are several resources to help you and your family prepare to go back to school:

School Immunization Requirements
New immunization requirements are in effect this school year for grades K-12. Make sure your child is up-to-date by visiting the Indiana Department of Health website.

MyVaxIndiana
The MyVaxIndiana immunization portal enables you to access immunization records for yourself and your children from any computer through the use of a personal identification number (available from your local health department or healthcare provider). Through MyVaxIndiana, you have the ability to download, fax or print official proof of immunization, which can be used for school, travel or other purposes. Each record also features the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s immunization schedule so you can plan for future immunizations.

School Bus Safety
The Indiana State Police is committed to keeping children safe in schools and on the road. All school buses are inspected annually, in accordance with Indiana State law. Buses more than 12 model years old are inspected twice a year.

The school bus inspection records are now available online. To view the records, click on the county where your child attends school, then pick the school, then your child’s bus number.

For more information about school bus safety, check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Traffic Safety Toolkit.

The possibilities of a fresh school year are exciting. I wish you and your children all the best as you navigate this transition together.

Posted in E Newsletter, Uncategorized | 2 Responses »

Independence Day, more than fireworks

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2013

The 4th of July is a time to celebrate what the United States of America is for each one of us. Our country was born out of the desire to create a government that works for the freedom of its citizens, providing all with the ability to choose their own path.

Our nation began the fight for freedom on July 4, 1776, and we have not stopped defending democracy since. Whether it is crossing the Delaware on a cold winter’s night, storming the beaches of Normandy or charging into the Twin Towers with the sole focus of saving a life, Americans are the first to protect our liberties. Through trials and tribulations America continues to be a beacon of hope around the world.

As long as we have a government of the people, by the people, for the people, then it will not perish from the earth.

Have a wonderful 4th of July with your friends and family.

God Bless America!

Posted in E Newsletter | 6 Responses »

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