Press Release

STATEHOUSE (July 23, 2020) – Johnson County lawmakers encourage veterans and Indiana companies to sign up for INvet’s next-generation website that connects service members directly with Hoosier businesses.

“Our veterans bravely serve our country, and they deserve all the support we can provide when they return home,” said State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin). “For those looking to apply their skills in a new career, INvets is a great first step to see what jobs are available and the skills needed to succeed in these positions.”

INvets.org is a free resource for veterans to interact and find the most current information about job opportunities available in health care, logistics, manufacturing and tech, and other high-demand industries throughout the state. State Rep. Dollyne Sherman (R-Indianapolis) said the program provides details about the skills required, with links to education and training partners that offer the training, credentials or degrees needed.

“Our state is forever grateful for the sacrifices America’s veterans make for us,” Sherman said. “When they return home, we should make it simple to continue life outside the military. INvets is an easy first step for job seekers to connect with employers or training opportunities.”

State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) said when service members leave the military, almost 50% deal with a period of unemployment. As businesses resume operations after closure and reduced production due to COVID-19, more than 100,000 in-demand jobs are still available throughout Indiana.

“Our military veterans have skills, discipline and work ethic that would benefit any employer,” May said. “While transitioning to civilian life can sometimes be challenging, former service members can use a program like INvets to ease into a rewarding new career.”

To sign up for the INvets program, veterans should visit www.INvets.org. Once a service member completes their profile on the site, State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) said their information is directed to participating companies. Employers who sign up for INvets have free access to upload company information, job opportunities and review veteran profiles. Since INvets launched, more than 150 companies and over 1,000 veterans have participated.

“When military families make Indiana home after service, they choose a state that provides support and opportunities,” Burton said. “Our reputation as one of the best states in the country to do business encourages employers to locate here and offer jobs to Hoosiers throughout the state. INvets is a launching point for both job seekers and job providers to find the right fit.”

Additional resources are available through the Military Family Relief Fund COVID-19 Emergency Assistance program, which is designed to help military families experiencing financial hardship. This grant can be used on a case-by-case basis by families for up to two months of household needs such as food, housing, utilities, medical services, child care and other essential family support. To access the MFRF application, visit www.in.gov/dva/.

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Members of the Indiana House of Representatives at the Statehouse Monday honored State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) for his 32 years of serving House District 58.

“Serving our community and the state of Indiana has been a great honor,” Burton said. “For me, it has always been about the people in Johnson County. Their voice has been the driving force behind every decision and vote I have made, and it has been a privilege representing them at the Statehouse.”

Burton will finish out his term through the Nov. 3 election.

During his time in the House, Burton’s passion for helping others – especially children – led him to champion legislation supporting students with dyslexia, establishing bullying prevention programs in schools and increasing accountability in the child welfare system.

“Woody has been a tremendous friend over the years,” said State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin). “His drive for making Johnson County and Indiana the best place to live and work is admirable, and his voice at the Statehouse will be sorely missed.”

Thanks to Burton’s efforts, Hoosiers now have the option to choose the “In God We Trust” state license plate at no extra cost. He was also instrumental in passing numerous laws supporting property tax relief, creating transparency within homeowners associations and providing a 13th check for public employee pensions.

“Representative Burton has been a true public servant who always put his constituents first, and is tremendously active in his local community,” said House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis). “I appreciate Woody’s strong faith and passion for helping our state’s most vulnerable, especially those in the child welfare system. While his leadership will be missed at the Statehouse, I know he will continue helping his neighbors in Johnson County.”

Burton serves as the chair of the House Financial Institutions Committee and is a member of the House Education Committee and House Judiciary Committee.

He and his wife, Volly, reside in Whiteland, and have three children and six grandchildren.

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Johnson County communities were recently awarded over $3.6 million in state matching grants to accelerate road and bridge improvements, according to area lawmakers.

This local funding is part of the nearly $100 million recently awarded to Indiana cities, towns and counties through the Community Crossings Matching Grant program, according to State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), Chris May (R-Bedford), Dollyne Sherman (R-Indianapolis) and John Young (R-Franklin).

“Indiana continues to maintain its reputation as the Crossroads of America through strategic investments like the Community Crossings Grant program,” Burton said. “These funds are dedicated to helping communities make progress and complete local road and bridge projects.”

As part of the program, Johnson County received $1 million for local road projects. In addition, several communities in the area were awarded grants, including:

• Bargersville, $999,750;
• Edinburgh, $639,075;
• Greenwood, $874,130; and
• Princes Lake, $166,816.

“So many of our public roads are in rural areas,” May said. “Preserving our local infrastructure saves everyone time and money, and makes all of us safer.”

This grant funding can be used toward road and bridge preservation, road reconstruction, intersection improvements, guardrail replacements and signage. Smaller municipalities must provide a match of 25% in local funds, while large communities must provide a 50% match.

“As our community continues to see increased construction on state roads, these grants are critical to improving our own local infrastructure,” Sherman said. “Maintaining the integrity of our roads and bridges will help ensure motorists remain safe.” 

Since 2017, state road investment is up 50% as Indiana has dedicated $3 billion to road and bridge projects across the state.

“This is a significant investment in our area,” Young said. “With these grants, our local governments can continue improving our roadways, while still funding other community priorities.”

More information about the program and recipients can be found at www.in.gov/indot.

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