Press Release

Indiana House Republicans introduce agenda centered on

Fiscal Integrity, Jobs, and Education

Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives, Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis), joined by a dozen of his House Republican colleagues, announced the House Republican Agenda today which focuses on making Indiana a stronger state for future generations.

“It is every parent’s hope that their children will be better off than their own generation. But for the first time in history the majority of Americans believe that the next generation will not enjoy a quality of life better than their parents,” said Speaker Bosma.

“The two most important ways to improve life for the next generation are through the creation of high wage jobs and an education that prepares our young people for the realities of the workforce.  The work of the next General Assembly must focus on these critical issues.

“House Republicans have also spearheaded the concept that our state must live within its means. That simple fiscal principal has made our state the envy of the nation.  In addition to that cornerstone, we will continue to focus on a bright future focused on job creation and education improvement,” said Speaker Bosma.

The House Republicans’ “Own Your American Dream” plan focuses on three key concepts.

Financial Security for Future Generations

“Addressing jobs or education matters little if we fail to continue our strong record of demanding balanced budgets that forces our state government to live within its means. Our fiscal integrity provides an economic climate that spurs job creation. Hoosier taxpayers deserve nothing less, and our job creation environment will continue to benefit,” said Bosma.

“Ensuring financial security for future generations is important to our economy,” said State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland). “Indiana continues to outpace the nation in job growth and has added more than 150,000 private sector jobs in the past three years. We must continue on this path by prioritizing economic development and education while preserving fiscal integrity.”

Indiana is one of only nine states that has a triple-A 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.

Bridging the Skills Gap

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.

“We have focused over the past decade on creating the best environment in the Midwest through policies that encourage and incentivize companies from all over the world to relocate and grow in Indiana,” said Speaker Bosma. “Now it’s time to focus on ensuring we have a workforce that will meet the needs of a globally dynamic marketplace,” said Bosma.

By 2018, it is estimated that 55 percent of Indiana’s jobs will require some post secondary education, but only 33 percent of our current working age Hoosiers have an associate’s degree or higher.

“We plan to turn our attention to improving career and technical education in High School, increasing and supporting dual credit programs, targeting investment on training programs with high potential and strengthening partnerships between industry and higher education,” said Speaker Bosma.

Leaders in Classrooms; Leaders in Life

“Focusing on jobs and education is what will propel us forward and make a stronger Indiana for generations to come,” said Rep. Burton. “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 will equip them with the tools necessary to thrive in the ever-expanding global marketplace.”

Currently there are nearly two and a half 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.

At the opposite end of the education spectrum, House Republicans also intend to promote early learning opportunities for young Hoosiers. 

 “The positive effects of early childhood education are becoming more and more evident.  Most experts would agree that a strong educational foundation at an early age is a key factor in determining whether or not an individual will be successful later in life.  Now that we have completed our goal of making kindergarten available to every Hoosier family, it’s time to look at additional opportunities, especially for low income families,” said Bosma.

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.

“We have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go to reach these critical goals. We won’t be a state that passes problems on to future generations to handle. Through continued fiscal integrity, quality jobs, and strong education opportunities the American Dream can be a reality for future generations of Hoosiers,” said Speaker Bosma.

State Rep. Woody Burtonattended the Retired Indiana Public Employees Association (RIPEA) 40th anniversary celebration on Monday in Indianapolis. The celebration honored retired and active public service workers in Indiana.

Rep. Burton serves as Chairman of the Pension Management Oversight Commission (PMOC), an interim legislative study committee, which studies topics related to pensions, annuities and retirement benefits for public employees, teachers and public safety officers.

Rep. Burton shared updates from the committee’s latest meeting during his address at the celebration. The Commission considered three preliminary drafts related to Teachers’ Retirement Fund (TRF) and Public Employees’ Retirement Fund (PERF). The first draft proposed a $500 minimum monthly benefit for members of TRF and PERF. The second draft deals with thirteenth checks for certain members of TRF, PERF and various state officials. The third draft suggested a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for PERF and TRF. Certain members of the committee will be working the next few weeks on TRF and PERF pension plans in addition to looking into the idea of a cost of living adjustment (COLA).

“Teachers and public employees have worked very hard for their retirement benefits,” said Rep. Burton. “It is my hope that we will recommend these three options to the General Assembly next year and together we can determine the best option for retired employees.”

The next PMOC meeting will be at the Statehouse on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 10:30 a.m. and will be broadcast over the Internet for those unable to attend. Please visit www.in.gov/legislative/2441 and select the video stream for room 431.

In today’s job market, the competition for good jobs continues to increase. Degrees are great, but internships can make a difference.

Internships are a way to stand out from other job applicants. They supplement classroom learning by providing real world experiences. Internships help beef up a portfolio or resume and serve as the ultimate social network. The connections and relationships developed during an internship have the potential to lead to future employment.

The House Republican Internship Program is one of the best learning experiences for a college student interested in government. The program is open to college students and graduates and recommended to those who would like to gain professional experience as well as learn more about the legislative process.

Applicants from all academic majors are accepted. Interns will be compensated with a $700 bi-weekly stipend and are eligible to apply for a $3000 Verizon Scholarship. The scholarship can be applied toward educational expenses for the student’s current or future undergraduate or graduate studies.

The full-time internship runs for the entire duration of the 2013 legislative session, which runs January through April at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.

The internship program offers four concentrations: member services, media, computer/technology and policy/fiscal. Member services interns research specific legislative questions and communicate directly with constituents. Media interns write news releases, newspaper columns, letters to the editor and email newsletters while also creating publications and assisting with media relations. Technology interns provide computer support and training to legislators and staff. Policy interns track legislation as it moves through the legislative process and prepare summaries on current legislation.

Applications are accepted through October 31 online at www.in.gov/legislative/house_republicans. Select the ‘Student Opportunities’ tab at the top of the page, then select ‘Internships’. Interviews will be conducted as applications are received. Applicants are encouraged to work with their school in order to obtain academic credit for the internship – most colleges and universities in Indiana offer class credit.

Our interns play a vital role in the legislative process and the experience they gain helps launch them into the professional world. Come be a part of our team!

State Rep. Woody Burton joined Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Thursday at the Statehouse, to present the first securities fraud victim  a check from the Securities Restitution Fund. Steve Brodie received a check for $15,000 after being the victim of a fraudulent investment scheme. At the time, he was conned out of his life savings and retirement by a fraudulent investment fund manager.

The Securities Restitution Fund, established through House Enrolled Act 1332, co-authorized by Rep. Burton in 2010, was created 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.

“The Securities Restitution Fund allows us to help Hoosiers who fall victim to securities violations recover a portion of the money taken from them,” said Rep. Burton. “I am honored to have had a part in helping Hoosiers who were swindled out of large sums of money by creating this legislation to help them recover a portion of it.”

In order to qualify, victims of securities violations must show proof that restitution was awarded by a state or federal court or administrative agency for a transaction that occurred on or after July 1, 2010. For more information about the Securities Restitution Fund, visit myweb.in.gov/SOS/RestitutionFund/Application/Default.aspx.

Below is a photo of State Rep. Burton, Steve Brodie and Secretary of State Connie Lawson.

State Rep. Woody Burton  serves as chairman of the Pension Management Oversight Commission (PMOC). PMOC is charged with studying topics related to pensions, annuities and retirement benefits for public employees, teachers and public safety officers.

On Tuesday, the committee heard an in-depth annual report concerning the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS). INPRS officials reported a one percent earn on investments last year, which is significantly lower than their expectations. Despite the report, Indiana still fairs better than many other states with much larger unfunded pension obligations. Indiana has the lowest burden per household to fully fund public pensions in the U.S. The state’s public pensions are currently funded at 81 percent of what is owed.

INPRS officials are working to modernize their setup. They have completed the implementation of a new financial system and annuity savings account modernization. A new employer reporting Web portal will go live in October and a new benefits administration system will debut in April.

INPRS representatives also presented preliminary drafts of proposed legislation for the upcoming General Assembly. They suggested reducing the minimum number of years required for participation in the plan from 10 years to five years. They also recommended requiring a vested plan member to be separated from employment for at least 30 days before the member may make a withdrawal from the his or her account. INPRS also suggested several changes to align the regulations pertaining to the Public Employees’ Retirement Fund (PERF) and the Teachers’ Retirement Fund (TRF).

“According to the INPRS report we heard, Indiana has a stronger, more stable retirement system than most states,” said. Rep. Burton. “This committee will continue to practice the fiscal management needed to ensure a sound future for all Hoosiers.”

The next meeting will be held on Thursday, Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. at the Statehouse. The meeting will be broadcast over the Internet for those unable to attend. Please visit www.in.gov/legislative/2441 and select the video stream for room 404.