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STATEHOUSE (Jan. 7, 2020) — State lawmakers representing Johnson County will host two public meetings on Saturday, Jan. 11, to discuss the start of the 2020 legislative session.

State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), Dollyne Sherman (R-Indianapolis) and John Young (R-Franklin) will discuss proposed legislation and answer questions from local Hoosiers.

The first meeting will take place 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Greenwood Public Library, located at 310 S. Meridian St. The second meeting will be from 1-2 p.m. at Franklin City Hall, located at 70 E. Monroe St.

“Communicating with our community continues to be my top priority,” Burton said. “Now that we are considering proposals for new laws, I want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. This year, we will be addressing many topics, from education and health care costs to improving government efficiency.”

The 2020 legislative session began Jan. 6 and must conclude by mid-March.

“As the legislative session begins, I remain committed to keeping the southside informed on critical issues impacting the state,” Sherman said. “These meetings are one of the best ways to provide updates to the community and hear directly from local residents.”

In addition, Young will host another meeting from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Jan. 18, at the Trafalgar Town Hall, located at 2770 W. State Road 252. 

“With legislation already being discussed at the Statehouse, it is important to stay up-to-date on potential new laws,” Young said. “There are multiple avenues to provide input on bills, and these meetings are a great opportunity for us to have an open conversation. I hope to see many community members at the meetings.”

Other elected officials have been invited to these meetings.

Johnson County residents can contact Burton, Sherman or Young by calling 317-232-9600 with questions or comments.

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STATEHOUSE (Aug. 23, 2019) – Johnson County lawmakers invite local college students and recent graduates to apply for the Indiana House Republican Internship Program, which takes place during the 2020 legislative session at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.

Local legislators seeking interns include State Reps. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland), Dollyne Sherman (R-Indianapolis) and John Young (R-Franklin).

Burton said local college and graduate students, and recent graduates should apply before Oct. 31.

“This internship is a one-of-a-kind experience,” Burton said. “Our interns are in the House Chamber, covering the legislative process every day. There are countless opportunities to apply skills, learn more about Indiana laws and build a professional network. Many complete their time at the Statehouse with a full-time position lined up.”

According to Sherman, the internship program is a unique opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience and apply skills in a real-world setting. She said the paid internship is full-time and takes place during the spring semester.

“Employers value and look for the skills job candidates gain through programs like this,” Sherman said. “The Indiana House Republican internship sets applicants apart from others, and connects young professionals with leaders in private and public sectors.”

Young said internship positions are open to college sophomores, juniors, seniors, graduate students and recent graduates of all majors. Students can apply for internships in a variety of areas, focusing on legislative operations, communications and media relations, policy or fiscal policy.

“We have had many talented individuals from our community intern at the Statehouse,” Young said. “Their experience as an intern helped jumpstart their professional career. Every college student and recent graduate should apply for this internship.”

Positions are full-time, Monday through Friday, lasting from January through mid-March. Interns receive biweekly compensation of $750, and can earn academic credit through their college or university. Interns are also eligible to apply for a competitive $3,000 scholarship to use toward undergraduate and graduate expenses.  

More information about the Indiana House Republican Internship Program and the application can be found at www.IndianaHouseRepublicans.com/internship.

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STATEHOUSE (June 26, 2019) – State Rep. Woody Burton’s (R-Whiteland) legislation protecting property owners from being held accountable for their tenants’ unpaid utility bills was recently ceremonially signed into law by the governor.  

Burton’s new law requires municipally owned utility companies to bill renters directly for services like electricity, gas or water, unless the landlord and renter come to a separate agreement.

“While most renters pay on time and in full, some can rack up several months’ worth of unpaid bills,” Burton said. “In the past, local ordinances required property owners to be billed directly for electricity, gas and water bills, which tied the hands of landlords. This law ensures the person using the service, pays for the service.”

Burton said outside of a lengthy and costly eviction process, property owners who are solely responsible for utility services have few options to prevent tenants from accruing excessive bills. Utility companies are able to hold customers accountable by terminating services for nonpayment, but according to Burton, landlords can be stuck paying the bill, even if they are not receiving money from their tenants.  

Visit iga.in.gov to learn more about House Enrolled Act 1347.

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STATEHOUSE (June 13, 2019) — State lawmakers representing Johnson County will host two public meetings on Saturday, June 22, to provide a recap of the 2019 legislative session.

The first meeting will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Greenwood Public Library, located at 310 S. Meridian St. The second meeting will be from 1-3 p.m. at the Franklin City Hall, located at 70 E. Monroe St.

“It has always been a top priority for me as an elected official to communicate regularly with our community,” said State Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland). “These meetings are instrumental to ensuring the public is able to speak directly with their lawmakers. Thank you to the Greenwood Public Library and Franklin Mayor Barnett for opening up their facilities for us to use. Unfortunately, Mayor Myers would not allow us to host a meeting at the Greenwood City Hall like we have in the past.”

Burton will be joined by State Rep. John Young (R-Franklin), and both will be available to discuss the legislative session and how new laws could affect Johnson County.

“There was a lot discussed during this year’s legislative session, and many policies will go into effect next month,” Young said. “Johnson County residents are encouraged to attend one of these meetings to learn about new laws. This is also an excellent opportunity to provide feedback on issues that will be considered during summer study committees.”

State Rep. Dollyne Sherman (R-Indianapolis), who was recently sworn in to serve out the remaining term of former State Rep. Dave Frizzell (R-Indianapolis), will also be in attendance.  

“I am eager to meet as many constituents as possible, and learn about the issues that matter most to them,” Sherman said. “There is a lot of work to be done in the coming months, and by working together, we can keep Indiana moving in the right direction.”

Other elected officials have been invited to these meetings.

Those unable to attend can contact Burton, Sherman or Young by calling 317-232-9600 with questions or comments.

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