Press Release

Applications to intern with the Indiana House Republicans during the 2018 legislative session are due Oct. 31, according to State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland).

The House Republican Internship Program offers paid, spring-semester internships at the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis. These are full-time positions, Monday through Friday, lasting from January through mid-March. According to Burton, college-level students participating in the internship program work one-on-one with state legislators while developing valuable skills and connections for a professional career.

“Interning with the Indiana House Republicans often opens up the door to a career, whether it be within state government or the private sector,” Burton said. “Making lasting connections, building your resume and growing professionally are all key to being successful in today’s highly competitive job market. Interested students and recent graduates should apply for this one-of-a-kind internship before the Oct. 31 deadline.”

College sophomores, juniors and seniors, graduate or law students, and recent graduates of all majors are eligible. Students can apply for internships in a variety of areas, focusing on legislative, communications, video production, policy, fiscal policy and technology. Along with getting paid $750 every two weeks, students can earn academic credit through their college or university.

When submitting an application, students must also include an official transcript, resume and two letters of recommendation. Burton said top applicants will demonstrate strong writing skills, have a positive attitude and be willing to work in a fast-paced environment.

Applications can be submitted online at www.indianahouserepublicans.com/internship.

State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) represents a portion of Johnson County.

 A high-resolution photo of Burton can be downloaded by clicking here.

Hoosier job seekers now have access to new resources to find better-paying jobs thanks to the recently launched Next Level Jobs initiative, according to State Rep. Woody Burton.

Burton said while Indiana’s unemployment rate is near record low, employers in high-need, high-wage fields are searching for qualified workers. To meet immediate and future workforce demands, Gov. Eric Holcomb recently launched the Next Level Jobs initiative, which includes nextleveljobs.org and two new grant programs.

The website connects job seekers with local training and resources to find jobs in high-demand industries. Burton said while a two- or four-year degree isn’t for everyone, Workforce Ready Grants cover the costs of tuition for working adults earning a high-value certificate at Ivy Tech or Vincennes University.

“More and more employers are choosing to call Indiana home, creating thousands of jobs that need to be filled,” said Burton, who supported legislation creating the grant. “Over the next few years, we know two-thirds of all jobs will require training beyond high school. In order to better prepare job seekers to take these new positions, we’ve created the Workforce Ready Grant, which can cover the costs of tuition for working adults. This will give hardworking Hoosiers the opportunity to gain useful skills to advance their career, while still providing for their family.”

According to the Department of Workforce Development, 1 million job openings are expected in Indiana by 2025 and, of those, about 400,000 will be in high-wage, high-need fields. These industries include advanced manufacturing, agriculture, building and construction, health and life sciences, IT and business services, and transportation and logistics.

To help employers in these industries train and retain workers, the new Employer Training Grant will provide up to $2,500 per new employee to qualifying companies.

Burton said over the next two years, these grant programs will provide roughly $20 million to help Hoosier workers and employers meet workforce demands.

Information and applications for both grants can be found online at nextleveljobs.org.

State Rep. Woody Burton was recently named to three summer study committees, which examine assigned topics, gather testimonies and recommend potential legislation.

Burton will serve as vice chair of the Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight and as a member of the Interim Study Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance and the Military Base Planning Council.

“Over the next few months, interim study committees will have the chance to build on progress made during the legislative session and explore topics that can be addressed next year,” Burton said. “Each year, the Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight takes a hard look at the state’s public pensions, vetting any proposed changes. This committee plays a critical role in maintaining Indiana’s public pension plans so hardworking Hoosiers are able to save for and enjoy retirement with peace of mind.”

Burton said interim study committee hearings, which typically occur at the Statehouse in Indianapolis, can be viewed live online at iga.in.gov. This site also provides committee calendars and meeting agendas. Members of the public are welcomed to attend and testify.

Center Grove High School and Whiteland Community High School were among 73 schools honored during Wednesday’s Indiana AP Recognition Ceremony at the Statehouse, according to State Rep. Woody Burton.

The Indiana Department of Education and Indiana College Board celebrated the success of these schools, where at least 25 percent of the graduating class earned a score of three or higher on at least one AP exam.

“It takes a great deal of dedication and hard work to succeed in an AP course and score well on the exam,” Burton said. “Our students are extremely lucky to have an excellent support system in our teachers and administrators. Thank you to the educators who encourage young Hoosiers to challenge themselves academically, and congratulations to the students who worked incredibly hard to help earn this distinction.”

Burton said AP exams are tests taken by high school students after they complete a course designed to demonstrate they are prepared to handle college-level work. With a successful score, these students can also earn college credit. These exams are developed by the College Board, a mission-driven, not-for-profit organization that connects students to success and opportunity in higher education.

Whiteland Community High School (pictured left to right): State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), Whiteland Community High School Principal Tom Zobel, Clark-Pleasant Community Schools Superintendent Patrick Spray, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick, English teacher Brooke Fuentes, math teacher Brian Lukich and Whiteland Community High School counselor Dave McMillan. 

State Rep. Woody Burton recently attended a legislative task force summit in North Carolina, where he collaborated with other state lawmakers on policies concerning commerce and economic development.

Burton was recently selected to serve as the public sector co-chair for the American Legislative Exchange Council’s Task Force on Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development. At the summit, Burton met with public servants and business leaders from across the country to discuss relevant policy considerations facing states.

“There are great pro-growth policies being enacted in states nationwide,” Burton said. “Conferences like this allow legislators from different backgrounds and different areas of the country to come together and brainstorm on how to best serve our constituents. Over the course of a few days, we had many meaningful conversations and in-depth discussions on how we can continue to build our business communities and drive economic development in not only Indiana, but in every state.”

In the coming months, Burton will lead task force meetings focused on fuel economy in the trucking industry, various banking and commerce issues, and specific insurance matters.

Burton said his conference attendance was not paid for by Indiana taxpayer dollars.