Guest Column

Mike Pence was sworn in earlier this month as the 50^th governor of Indiana and recently delivered his State of the State address. The governor’s speech highlighted issues that are of the utmost importance to the Legislature: jobs, education and fiscal integrity.

Gov. Pence echoed a mission I firmly believe in job creation. It must be our first priority. We must focus on creating an environment that facilitates job growth in an effort to get our economy moving. Indiana has established itself as a leader in private sector job creation, and, as Governor Pence stated, it stems from being one of only nine states that have a triple-A credit rating.

But Indiana cannot succeed in the marketplace if we do not succeed in the classroom. That is why we will concentrate on promoting early childhood education and expanding education opportunities for Hoosier families. Providing students with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills that will equip them with the tools necessary to thrive in the ever-expanding global marketplace.

Governor Pence discussed the importance of having the tools in place for Hoosier students to succeed. In the Committee on Education, we are considering House Bill 1005. This bill reduces remedial needs of high school graduates, so that when they enter postsecondary education, they are fully equipped with the ability and know-how to flourish.

It also improves standards for dual credit courses by requiring students to receive a C or better in order to obtain college credit. Lastly, it reduces graduation waiver rates by prohibiting any student that receives a general diploma waiver from receiving state financial aid until they pass a college and career readiness assessment and the secondary school official determines that the student does not need additional remediation or instruction.

GovenorPence recognizes that the time has come to make career, technical and vocational education a priority. This is an initiative that I fully support. House Speaker Brian Bosma introduced House Bill 1002 to create an Indiana Career Council (ICC), designed to coordinate between multiple participants in the state’s educational, job skills and career training systems. I firmly believe that career and technical education can provide our students with a pathway to success.

Nearly one-third of Indiana’s workforce lacks even the most basic skills to thrive in today’s economy.  Members of the ICC will be charged with aligning the education skills and training provided by Indiana’s educational, job skills and career training systems with the existing and projected needs of the state’s job market.

All of the initiatives set forth by the governor and the Legislature have to fit within the framework of our state’s biennial budget. Passing an honestly balanced budget is essential to growing our economy and establishing the conditions for continual progress. Governor Pence stressed the importance of living within our means while protecting Hoosier taxpayers. The governor’s budget also makes a clear commitment to Hoosiers who have served their nation in uniform. He set a goal to require three percent of all state contracts come from veteran-owned businesses. These men and women have selflessly served our country and state to defend our most cherished freedoms and have the skills to strengthen Indiana. We can do more to show them we care.

As the 2013 legislative session continues to progress, I plan to keep you updated on key issues. If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at (317) 232-9620 or by email at h58@iga.in.gov. I look forward to receiving your input.

The start of the New Year will be here before we know it with the start of the 2013 legislative session soon to follow. As I reflect on the past year, I am reminded of the great strides we have taken to accelerate Indiana’s economy and move our state forward, but there is still work to be done.

One of my top priorities this legislative session will be to ensure that students have the fundamental skills to succeed when they enter the workforce. As a member of the Education Committee, I will concentrate on promoting early childhood education and expanding education opportunities for Hoosier families. Addressing teacher shortages in key areas such as math and science will help students develop necessary job skills. By providing access to the right resources and training, Hoosiers will be better positioned to succeed in today’s globally dynamic marketplace.

We have focused on cultivating a climate for job creation, and it is paying off. This year, the number of major jobs announcements has set a new record for Indiana and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. The IEDC worked with 228 companies that made decisions to expand or establish new business operations in Indiana, outpacing the 219 decisions by companies announced at year-end last year and every other year on record.

Indiana ranks first in the Midwest and fifth in the nation as the best place to do business in the Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States for 2012 study. We are also one of nine states that have triple-A credit rating. We must continue on this path of success by prioritizing economic development while preserving fiscal integrity.

As Chairman of the Financial Institutions Committee, I deal with issues related to many kinds of financial establishments from check cashing companies to national banks. I understand the importance of managing our money well. The General Assembly will continue to eliminate wasteful government spending and make strategic investments and restorations to our cities and towns. Continuing to grow our economy and passing a balanced budget is important to providing financial security for future generations of Hoosiers.

As we look to build on our momentum, I highly value your input in the issues that matter most to you and your family. I will be holding nine town hall meetings spanning from January through early May. I will be available to listen to constituents, discuss concerns and provide further information on the legislative session. I encourage all members of the community to come out and participate in these discussions.

In addition to town hall meetings, I am meeting with teachers and administrators from our local schools and local police, fire and safety personnel. I plan to meet with small business owners in Johnson County to find out what our state legislature can do to help them remain successful. My objective is to get as much input as possible from the community as we work together for a better Indiana.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns, please contact me at (317) 232-9620 or by email at h58@iga.in.gov.

I recently joined Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) when he made a major announcement about our plan to help all Hoosiers own their American Dream. Our focus on jobs and education will propel us forward and make for a stronger Indiana for generations to come. Speaker Bosma outlined three main objectives to help us reach our goal.

Always one of our top priorities is to ensure financial security for future generations. House Republicans have a history of passing a balanced budget and living within our means. Indiana is one of nine states that have a triple-A credit rating. We will continue to eliminate wasteful government spending and make strategic investments and restorations.

We will also work on bridging the skills gap. A recent study found that 67 percent of manufacturing companies report moderate to severe shortage of available, qualified workers. Over half of these companies anticipate the shortage to worsen in the next three years. We will focus on improving career and technical education in high schools and increasing dual credit programs to prepare.

The job growth rate in Indiana has significantly outpaced the national rate of growth, nearly double, for the past three years. We have focused on cultivating a climate for job creation, and it is paying off. By bridging the skills gap, we will continue on this path of success.

Our third goal will be to focus on creating leaders in the classroom so that our students can be leaders in life. We will address key teacher shortages in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In Indiana, these skills have stayed in demand even through the economic downturn. There are 2.4 science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs for every one unemployed person. When it comes to early childhood education, 61 percent of Hoosier children (ages 3-4) are not enrolled in preschool. Only seven states have a higher percentage of children not attending preschool. We will put emphasis on early childhood education and expanded education opportunities for Hoosier families.

I look forward to working together to accomplish these goals and provide a brighter future for all Hoosiers and their families. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by phone at 317-232-9620 or by email at h58@in.gov.

Indiana’s unclaimed property database holds more than $350 million in assets; could some of it be yours? Any financial asset with no activity by its owner for an extended period of time is considered unclaimed property. This includes unclaimed wages or commissions, savings and checking accounts, stocks, insurance proceeds, credit balances, refunds and safe deposit box contents. In most cases though, it’s money!

One out of every three current or former Hoosiers has unclaimed money waiting for them. Project Reunite is an initiative started by Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller to bring together Hoosiers and their unclaimed money.

Searching for unclaimed property is easy. Simply visit www.IndianaUnclaimed.com and enter your name to search Indiana’s unclaimed property records to see if you find a match.

There are six simple steps to reunite with unclaimed property:

1.   Enter your name or the name of a friend or family member in the search field;

2.  Place a check mark in the box next to the property you want to claim;

3.  Complete the claim form and verify your information by clicking “approve.”;

4.  Print a copy of your completed claim form, sign it and gather all of the required documentation;

5.  Drop your completed claim form along with the required documentation in the mail; and

6.  Allow up to 90 days for a review of your claim. If your claim is approved, you’ll receive your check in the mail.

If your search yields no results, try searching all of the names you have ever used, including your maiden name and nicknames. I also suggest looking up common misspellings of your name. Property is added continuously throughout the year so  be sure to check back, if you don’t see any results the first time.

You can also call 1.866.IN.CLAIM (1.866.462.5246) if you do not have Internet access.

When browsing on a tablet or smart phone, I recommend using the free iPhone and Android app that allows you to search for unclaimed property and start a claim from anywhere.  The app is available in the iTunes or Google app store by searching ‘IN-Unclaimed’.

Set out on your own version of a treasure hunt. Project Reunite might be the key to your very own buried treasure!

Imagine being conned out of your life savings after 25 years of work. Picture it happening while providing for your three children and just a month before you walk your daughter down the aisle (and have to pay for the reception to follow).

For Steve Brodie this nightmare was his reality.

Steve, a 51-year-old Indianapolis resident, entered into an investment agreement in 2008, but not before doing his homework. Steve chose an advisor who was well-known in the community, and who had an impeccable reputation.

Steve’s job was terminated at the end of 2010 and he then chose to roll his pension and 401K into the investment. He also began taking classes to finish his undergraduate degree and was anticipating his daughter’s wedding in May.

In April 2011, three years after Steve began investing, his advisor’s partner discovered that the advisor was embezzling the funds and depositing them directly into his checking account. The situation was reported to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the fund was shut down.

But it was too late for Steve. As the third largest investor, all of his assets were completely out of his reach.

With three kids in college and his life savings gone, Steve and his family were devastated. What took 25 years to accumulate was gone in a matter of days. Steve was forced to borrow money from family members just to get by.

Steve has been able to find relief through the state’s Securities Restitution Fund. In 2010, I had the privilege of collaborating with other legislators on House Enrolled Act 1332, which created the fund to help Hoosier investors recoup money stolen by scam artists. The fund is the first of its kind in the nation and uses no taxpayer dollars. Instead it uses fines and settlements collected from violators of the Indiana Uniform Securities Act to repay victims of financial crimes. Eligible victims can receive up to $15,000 or 25 percent of unrecovered costs, whichever is less.

Steve was the first Hoosier to receive payment from the fund.

In order to qualify for assistance from the Securities Restitution Fund, victims of securities violations must show proof that restitution was awarded by a state or federal agency for a transaction that occurred on or after July 1, 2010.

These funds have allowed Steve to get to the next step in the process of financial recovery. He is now able to keep his kids in college and repay some of the money he borrowed.

I tell you this story to raise awareness on this important issue. If you or someone you know has been a victim of a securities fraud, I urge you to seek assistance. For more information about the fund, visit myweb.in.gov/SOS/RestitutionFund/Application/Default.aspx.