Press Release

On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman presented Golden Hoosier Awards to 26 senior citizens at the Indiana State Fair. The award was established by Lt. Gov. Skillman in collaboration with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration to acknowledge and recognize outstanding seniors who work hard to improve their communities, help others and serve as mentors and caregivers.

The Golden Hoosier Award is the highest honor bestowed on a senior in Indiana. Golden Hoosier Award recipients must be at least 65 years old and have contributed a minimum of three years of volunteer experience.

Greenwood resident Richard Small, 87, received a Golden Hoosier Award for his service to the community. Small was nominated by Debbie Young, Director of Volunteer Services at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Small has contributed over 5,000 volunteer hours throughout his 28 years of service at the museum.

“It is hard to measure the impact someone like Richard can make over the course of a lifetime,” said Young. “He sets an outstanding example to anyone, young or old, about what you can so with your life, even at 87 years of age.”

Richard currently volunteers in the museum’s “All Aboard” Exhibit where he portrays the conductor and teaches children about the Reuben Wells Steam Engine. In addition to The Children’s Museum, Small has volunteered at President Benjamin Harrison’s Home, The Indianapolis Zoo and the Indianapolis Senior Citizens Center.

“He has made a positive impact throughout the community, touching the lives of thousands,” said Young.

Small retired from Eli Lily as a toxicologist in 1983 and began volunteering in 1984. He and his wife, Marian, also enjoy traveling.

“I am appreciative of the countless years of service Richard has given to Indiana,” said State Rep. Woody Burton. “His commitment to volunteerism in our community is worthy of such a distinct recognition.”

State Rep. Woody Burton will be holding a series of town hall meetings on Saturday, March 24 and Saturday, March 31 to wrap up the issues important to the 2012 legislative session and surrounding communities. Topics will include economic development, education reform, public safety and other legislative issues. Questions and comments regarding these issues are welcome.

The meetings will serve as a town hall for the Franklin, Greenwood, New Whiteland and Whiteland areas. All interested and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend.

Where: Herman Funeral Home, 1605 State Road 135 in Greenwood

When:   Saturday, March 24 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Where:  Greenwood City Building, 2 North Madison Avenue in Greenwood

When:   Saturday, March 24 from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Where: Franklin City Hall, 70 East Monroe Street in Franklin

When:   Saturday, March 31 from 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Where:  Whiteland Town Hall Building, 549 Main Street in Whiteland

When:   Saturday, March 31 from 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

If you have any questions concerning these events or any legislative issues, please contact Rep. Burton’s office by phone at 1-800-382-9841 or by e-mail at h58@in.gov.

Rep. Woody Burton’s legislation dealing with abandoned properties passed another legislative hurdle passing out of the Senate Committee on Judiciary.

House Bill (HB) 1238 would help expedite the foreclosure process for communities by allowing a creditor in a residential mortgage or a municipality to petition the court to find that the property is abandoned. At any time, however, the debtor is allowed to present evidence that the property is not vacant or abandoned.

“Allowing foreclosure and abandonment action to occur simultaneously will greatly benefit our local communities because it puts the process on a fast track,” said Rep. Burton. “Abandoned properties may be an eye-sore and attract crime in many of our local communities. In addition, abandoned or vacant lots can decrease the property value of surrounding homes and neighborhoods.

“Reducing the amount of time that these properties remain off the market will be beneficial for both the surrounding community and its residents.”

The next step for HB 1238 will be a floor hearing in the Senate. If signed into law, it will go into effect on July 1, 2012.

Legislation authored by Rep. Woody Burton providing a 13^thcheck to retired public employees passed out of the Senate Committee on Appropriations unanimously today.

“This legislation is aimed at helping those individuals who devoted their lives to public service, and I’m pleased the Senate committee recognized that today,” said Rep. Burton. “By providing a 13^th check to our retired public employees, we will be helping them cope with cost of living inflation and unforeseen financial stress.”

House Bill (HB) 1123 would provide a one-time 13^th check to members of the Indiana State Teachers’ Retirement Fund, Public Employees’ Retirement Fund, State Police Fund and State Excise Police, Gaming Agent, Gaming Control Officer and Conservation Officers’ Retirement Fund.

Eligibility for this additional allowance would depend on retirement and disability status. The additional compensation will be funded from excess investment earnings from the aforementioned retirement accounts.

HB 1123 will now be discussed further by the full Senate. If signed into law, it will go into effect July 1, 2012.

To find the most up-to-date bill status, visit www.in.gov/legislative.

As United States Congressman Dan Burton(R-Ind.) announced his retirement on the Indiana House floor today, State Rep. Woody Burton congratulated his older brother for his more than 40 years of public service.

“My brother has been a true leader to his state, to this nation, and I have always been proud to call him family,” said Rep. Woody Burton. “Over the years, he has helped so many Hoosiers, with his experience and knowledge, and will be vastly missed.”

Congressman Burton didn’t elaborate on his decision during his brief address to lawmakers today, but simply said he was resigning because of family health issues.

Congressman Burton was born and raised in Indiana. He graduated from Shortridge High School and attended Indiana University and the Cincinnati Bible Seminary. He also served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserves from 1957 to 1962.

Before his election to Congress, he held office in the Indiana State Senate, as well as the Indiana House of Representatives.

He is currently serving his fifteenth term as a United State Representative from Indiana 5^th Congressional District. The 5^th District includes all of Tipton, Grant, Miami, Wabash, Huntington, Hamilton and Hancock Counties, as well as parts of Marion, Shelby, Howard and Johnson Counties.

“He has accomplished so many great things while serving Indiana,” said Rep. Burton. “For example, he was the first Hoosier Republican to Chair a full House Committee in more than 60 years when he assumed the Chairmanship of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.”

He currently serves as a senior member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, in addition to serving as Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Europe and Eurasia.

“Although my brother is retiring, I am sure he won’t be able to stay completely away from public service; it’s in his blood.”

After making the announcement on the House floor, Gov. Mitch Daniels was able to briefly meet with both brothers to congratulate Congressman Burton on his years of service.