Press Release

Indiana was ranked as the most competitive state for business in the Midwest and the second best nationwide in Site Selectionmagazine’s Top 10 Competitive States of 2012.

Session brings largest tax cut to Hoosiers in the history of Indiana

 Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), announced the end of session, or Sine Die on Friday evening, closing out a year of priorities achieved. The House Republican agenda, which was released in October, centered on making Indiana a stronger state for future generations, by focusing on fiscal integrity, job growth, and enhanced education opportunities for every Hoosier.

“Our time this session has been focused on jobs and education,” said State Representative Woody Burton. “By providing college and career readiness education, we are propelling our state forward. Investing in education and workforce development will make Indiana stronger now and in the future.”

The House Republicans’ “Own Your American Dream” plan focuses on three key concepts: financial security, matching Hoosier workers with high paying jobs, and making education investments.

Financial Security for Future Generations

Indiana is one of only nine states that has a AAA credit rating from all three credit agencies.  Indiana holds a higher credit rating than the federal government, whose debt has now passed the $16 trillion mark for the first time in our nation’s history.  That equates to more than $50,000 of debt for every man, woman and child in the U.S.

“In addition, we also introduced a new conservative concept in state budgeting: paying cash for projects and paying off the state’s debt burden,” said Speaker Bosma. “After all of those goals have been met, and with a proven track record of fiscal integrity, we are in the position to give Hoosiers the largest tax cut in the history of Indiana. This blend of tax relief will have a very positive impact on Hoosiers across the state and provides a tax cut for virtually every Hoosier.”

Bridging the Skills Gap

“Initiatives like the Indiana Career Council will help put more Hoosiers back to work and equip them with the skills necessary to thrive in today’s global marketplace,” said Rep. Burton. “Aligning our job training and educational efforts with available Hoosier jobs will allow us to remain the best job creation environment in the Midwest.”

According to the Indiana Vision 2025 report published by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, more than 930,000 Hoosiers lack even the most basic skills to thrive in today’s economy.

Leaders in Classrooms; Leaders in Life

Currently, there are nearly two and a half science, technology, engineering and mathematics [STEM] jobs for every one unemployed person in Indiana. Despite the economic downturn, these jobs have remained in demand, and will only increase as technology marches on. HEA 1001 creates a STEM Teacher Recruitment Fund and new stipend programs for teachers that are in high demand.

In Indiana, 61 percent of children (ages 3-4) are not enrolled in a preschool program. Only six states have a higher percentage of children not attending a preschool. The budget creates a Pre-K Matching Program. School choice was also expanded for students with disabilities, special needs, and siblings. There is no longer a requirement for students in failing school districts.

“We have worked together to address these issues instead of passing the problems on to future generations to handle. Through our commitment to fiscal integrity, quality jobs, and providing strong education opportunities to our children, the American Dream can be a reality for future generations of Hoosiers,” said Speaker Bosma.

State Representative Woody Burton congratulates Hollis Van Fossen of Greenwood for receiving the 2013 Comcast Leaders & Achievers Scholarship today. The award recognizes high school seniors for their outstanding leadership skills, high academic performance and participation in community service projects.

“The Comcast Scholarship is a great way to acknowledge student leaders in our state,” said Rep. Burton. “I applaud Hollis for all of her hard work at Center Grove High School and throughout the Greenwood community.”

Beginning annually in 2000, Comcast reaches out to high school guidance counselors and principals to recognize the brightest seniors as the nation’s “leaders and achievers.” The award recipients were nominated for their extensive involvement in their schools and participation in various service projects that positively impact their communities.

Since 2001, Comcast has awarded approximately $19 million in scholarship funds to more than 19,000 students across the nation. Van Fossen, who attends Center Grove High School in Greenwood, was one of 49 Hoosier students to receive the $1,000 award.

“Receiving such a distinguished award is no small feat,” said Rep. Burton. “I wish Hollis the best of luck as she moves forward in her academic career, and I am confident that she will continue to make her family and our community very proud.”

The award was presented by First Lady Karen Pence at the Indiana Statehouse.

State Representative Woody Burton joined Governor Mike Pence on Tuesday to present Maribeth Alspach, a Johnson Co. native, with the Sagamore of the Wabash award. The award is one of the most esteemed honors the Governor of Indiana can bestow. It is presented to those who have rendered a distinguished service to the state.

“Maribeth has spent her life serving the people of New Whiteland,” said Rep. Burton. “I am privileged to have the opportunity to honor her dedication to the community.”

Maribeth served as Clerk-Treasurer of New Whiteland from 1988-1998. She also served on the Town Council until 2004, when she was re-elected as Clerk-Treasurer, a position she currently holds.

“Maribeth is passionate about honoring the men and women who serve in the armed forces defending our great country,” said Rep. Burton. “She worked tirelessly to create Proctor Memorial Park in New Whiteland to honor Sergeant Joseph E. Proctor who was killed by a suicide bomber in Iraq. Through hard work and the help of many volunteers, she raised $200,000 for the park without the use of any taxpayer funds.”

Maribeth also serves as President of the Clark-Pleasant Education Foundation and is a member of the Franklin Memorial Christian Church. She and her husband Scott, of 35 years, have three children and six grandchildren.

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has appointed State Representative Woody Burton as co-chairman of the Financial Services Subcommittee. This subcommittee is an advisory body to the larger Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force.

ALEC works at the state level to advance the fundamental principles of free-market enterprise, limited government and federalism. This is done through a nonpartisan public-private partnership of America’s state legislators, members of the private sector and the general public.

“I feel honored to have been appointed to this position and I look forward to working with Paul Russinoff of Visa, who serves as the private sector co-chair,” said Rep. Burton. “This subcommittee is open to all members of the larger task force but typically, the members who are most interested and knowledgeable will attend.”

The Financial Services Subcommittee deals with matters related to the financial industry and insurance with the intent to design national legislation. Some of the issues they have covered in the past include the Dodd-Frank Act, homeowners’ insurance and mortgage licensing reciprocity. Rep. Burton is Chairman of the Financial Institutions Committee in the Indiana House of Representatives. He also serves on the Insurance Committee.