Indiana Legislators from Your Hometown

Transcription

1 Indiana Legislators from Your Hometown

2 Indiana Hometown Senate House of Representatives Amboy Randy Head Bill Friend David A. Wolkins Alfordsville Eric Bassler Shane Lindauer Bedford Eric Koch Chris May Bicknell Eric Bassler Bruce Borders Cory Eric Bassler Bob Heaton DeMotte Ed Charbonneau Douglas Gutwein Evansville Vaneta Becker Jim Tomes Ronald Bacon Ryan Hatfield Wendy McNamara Holli Sullivan Fishers John Ruckelshaus Todd Huston Greenwood Greg Walker Woody Burton Indianapolis Jean D. Breaux Aaron Freeman Jack E. Sandlin Greg Taylor R. Michael Young Dan Forestal Justin Moed Gregory W. Porter Robin Shackleford Vanessa Summers Jasper Mark Messmer Shane Lindauer Loogootee Eric Bassler Shane Lindauer Michigantown Brian Buchanan Heath VanNatter Mount Vernon Jim Tomes Wendy McNamara Newburgh Vaneta Becker Holli Sullivan Princeton Mark Messmer Thomas Washburne Washington Eric Bassler Shane Lindauer Waynetown Phil Boots Sharon Negele Whiteland Greg Walker Woody Burton

3 Ronald Bacon Years Served: present County(s): Portions of Warrick, Pike and Spencer District: 75 Profession(s): Respiratory Therapist; Owner, R. Bacon Enterprises, Inc. Education: Deaconess Hospital of Respiratory Therapy Committees: Family, Children and Human Affairs; Public Health; Select Committee on Government Reduction; Medicaid Advisory Committee Ron Bacon was first elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in He currently represents District 75, which covers parts of Warrick, Pike and Spencer counties. He is an advocate for fiscal integrity through a balanced state budge, meaningful tax reform, increased economic development and family values. Rep. Bacon has been highly involved in his community. He served as chairman of the St. Mary s Warrick Hospital Foundation for six years, and he is a current director of the Warrick County Chamber of Commerce and a member and past president of the Boonville Kiwanis club. Rep. Bacon is a member of the National Rifle Association, Right to Life of Southwestern Indiana, Indiana Right to Life, and he attends the St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Daylight, IN.

4 Eric Bassler Years Served: present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Daviess, Greene, Martin, Sullivan, and portions of Clay, Knox, and Owen District: 39 Profession(s): Financial Advisor Education: Indiana University: B.A. in Chemistry and Psychology, M.A. in Career Development Committees: Environmental Affairs, Ranking Member Appropriation, School Funding Subcommittee Education and Career Development Eric Bassler is a Republican member of the Indiana State Senate, representing District 39. He was first elected to the chamber in Bassler was an at-large representative on the Washington City Council. Bassler earned his bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Psychology and master's degree in Economics from Indiana University. His professional experience includes working as a financial advisor at Edward Jones Investments.

5 Vaneta Becker Years Served: present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick District: 50 Profession(s): Real Estate Broker Education: University of Southern Indiana, B.S. Real Estate and Insurance Broker License Committees: Public Policy, Ranking Member Health and Provider Services Environmental Affairs Vaneta Becker is an American politician who serves as a Republican Senator in the Indiana Senate representing portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick County in the southern part of the state. She sits on the Health and Provider Services Committee and chairs its Public Health Subcommittee having moved on from the Chairmanship of the Provider Services Subcommittee. She is the ranking member of the standing committee on Commerce, Public Policy and Interstate Cooperation. Becker graduated from North High School in Evansville and received her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Southern Indiana. She has been a real estate broker in Southwestern Indiana since Her husband, Andy Guarino is a principal with Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corporation Becker was first elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 1981 and served until She sits on numerous Interim Study Committees: the Evansville State Hospital Advisory Committee, Indiana Commission on Excellence in Health Care, Health and Child Care Issues Evaluation Committee, Health Finance Commission, Indiana Commission for Women, and the Prescription Drug Advisory Committee.

6 Philip Boots Years Served: present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Fountain, Montgomery, Parke, Vermillion, Warren and portion of Boone District: 23 Profession(s): Owner and operator of Boots Bros. Oil Co., Co-owner of The Noblesville Times, and Coowner of The Paper of Montgomery County Education: Milligan College and Wabash College Committees: Pension and Labor, Appropriations State Sen. Phil Boots has represented Hoosiers in West Central Indiana at the Statehouse since he was elected in Boots represents Senate District 23, which includes Fountain, Montgomery, Parke, Vermillion, and Warren counties and a portion of Boone County.Boots is Chair of the Senate Committee on Pensions and Labor and a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. Outside the Senate, he is the owner and operator of Boots Bros. Oil Co. in Crawfordsville, and president of Sagamore News Media, which publishes The Paper of Montgomery County, The Times of Noblesville, Sheridan News and The Weekly. He attended Milligan College in Tennessee and Wabash College. He also served in the 1 st Cavalry Division in the United States Army. Boots has been named Outstanding State Senator by the Indiana Retired Teachers Association and Small Business Champion by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

7 Bruce Borders Years Served: ; present County(s): Sullivan and portions of Vigo, Greene, Knox, and Daviess District: 45 Profession(s): Owner of Border s Insurance and Financial Services Education: Evangel University: Bachelor s Degree in Business Administration Committees: Veterans Affairs and Public Safety, Local Government (Vice Chair), Insurance Born and raised in the Wabash Valley, Bruce Borders represents his home community in the Statehouse. He and his wife of 35 years, Lola, have three children and five grandchildren. Bruce is a hard-working local businessman, dedicated family man and active member of his church. Nationally renowned, Bruce is known for his outstanding Elvis Presley impersonation, which was featured on Late Night with David Letterman, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Joan Rivers Show, 'Entertainment Tonight' and much more. At the Statehouse, Bruce fights hard to support legislation that protects life, keeps government lean and ensures that veterans receive the resources and benefits they greatly deserve.

8 Jean D. Breaux Years Served: present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Marion District: 34 Party: Democratic Profession(s): Forest Manor Multi-Service Center Education: Boston University, Indiana Wesleyan University Committees: Appropriations, Elections, Ethics, Family and Children Services, Health and Provider Services, Indiana Commission to Combat Drug Abuse, Joint Rules, Local Government, Rules and Legislative Procedure, Tax and Fiscal Policy A dedicated, hard-working public servant, Jean Breaux was elected to the State Senate in December of 2006 and elected Assistant Democratic Leader by the Senate Democratic Caucus in Breaux formerly served as Assistant Democratic Caucus Chair. With extensive experience working in communitybased economic development and workforce training, Breaux s work focuses on creating and retaining good jobs in Indiana particularly in areas with high rates of unemployment. She is also an outspoken advocate on education, health care and labor issues. She has worked for the Community Development Corporation and the Indiana Department of Commerce where she attracted and retained Indiana businesses and jobs.

9 Liz Brown Years Served: 2014 present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Portions of Allen County District: 15 Profession(s): Brown Mediation LLC, owner Education: University of Notre Dame: B.S.; University of Iowa: J.D. Committees: Ethics (Chair), Appropriations, Environmental Affairs, Health & Provider Service, Budget, alternate Indiana State Sen. Liz Brown has served Hoosiers since 2014 as a member of the State Senate. She represents Senate District 15, which includes portions of Allen County. Brown is Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee and the ranking member on the Senate Committee on Appropriations. She is also a member of the Senate Committees on Environmental Affairs; Health and Provider Services; and an alternate to the State Budget Committee. Brown holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa. Brown and her husband, Steve, reside in Fort Wayne.

10 Brian Buchanan Years Served: 2018 present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): White and portions of Boone, Carroll, Clinton, Jasper and Tippecanoe District: 7 Profession(s): Councilman and Business Owner Education: Purdue University: B.S. in Agricultural Education Committees: Agriculture, Natural Resources, Local Government, Utilities, Commerce and Technology Senator Brian Buchanan started his term this year in District 7, which include White county and portions of Boone, Carroll, Clinton, Jasper, and Tippecanoe counties. He graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor s in Science in Agriculture Education. He is involved in the Agriculture, Natural Resources, Local Government, Utilities, Commerce and Technology Committees.

11 Woody Burton Years Served: 1988 present County(s): Greenwood, New Whiteland, Whiteland and Clark Township District: 58 Profession(s): Real Estate Broker, Carpenter Realtors Education: Graduate Realtor (GRI); Reppert School of Auctioneering; Certified Residential Broker (CRB); Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Committees: House Committee on Financial Institutions (Chairman), Education Committee, Judiciary, Rules and legislative Procedures Woody Burton has been a key player in promoting positive change for Indiana since joining the state legislature in One of Burton s legislative priorities has been to permanently repeal property taxes in Indiana. During the 2007 session, he was instrumental in passing legislation that capped property taxes. In 2010, he supported legislation to allow a constitutional amendment to permanently cap property taxes on the November 2010 ballot. In addition to property tax relief, Burton has been diligent in working to improve the mortgage industry through improving foreclosure prevention programs, increasing land bank opportunities and instituting tax incentives for businesses to renovate empty buildings. Burton was also the driving force behind the In God We Trust state license plate and is proud that Hoosiers have the option to acquire this plate at no extra charge. More than two million Hoosiers have already purchased this plate. In 2015, Burton authored legislation that required teachers-in-training to be instructed on how to recognize dyslexia in students at earlier ages. Dyslexia is a reading disorder that affects how students see words. Students with dyslexia have the same potential as any other student; they just learn differently. House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1108 was a necessary step to ensure Hoosier students receive a quality education. Burton authored legislation in 2016 which prohibited the tax or collection of PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) fees from churches and church schools.

12 Ed Charbonneau Years Served: present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Pulaski and portions of Jasper, LaPorte, Porter, and Starke District: 5 Profession(s): Attorney Education: Wabash College, Loyola University, South Texas College of Law Committees: Health and Provider Services, Appropriations, School Funding Subcommittee, Rules and Legislative Procedures, Tax and Fiscal Policy Indiana State Sen. Ed Charbonneau represents Senate District 5, which includes of all of Pulaski County and portions of Jasper, LaPorte, Porter and Starke counties. Appointed to the Indiana State Senate in 2007 and elected in 2008, Charbonneau serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services. He also serves on several other Senate Committees including Appropriations, the School Funding Subcommittee, Tax and Fiscal Policy, and Rules and Legislative Procedure. Prior to being elected to the Senate, Charbonneau served as President and CEO of The Methodist Hospitals, Inc., President and CEO of the Northwest Indiana Forum, and head of Government and Community Affairs for U.S. Steel. He has been involved in a variety of civic activities including the Porter County and Lake County chapters of United Way, the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council, and the Board of Trustees of the Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center. He is a graduate of Wabash College, Loyola University (MBA) and South Texas College of Law. He is licensed to practice law in Indiana, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Federal District Court and before the Supreme Court of the United States. A former member of the U.S. Army Reserves ( ), Charbonneau resides in Valparaiso with his wife Sharon. They have two children and five grandchildren.

13 Bob Cherry Years Served: present County(s): Portions of Hancock and Madison District: 53 Profession(s): Retired Education: Purdue University: B.S. Committees: House of Committee on Ways & Means (Vice Chair), House Committee on Government and Regulator Reform, House Committee on Rules and Legislative Procedures, Budget Committee State Representative Bob Cherry has had the opportunity to serve the State of Indiana in many ways since elected as state representative for House District 53. He became a member of the General Assembly in 1998 after developing an interest in public policy and a desire to represent the people of District 53. During the 2013 legislative session, Cherry co-sponsored Senate Enrolled Act (SEA) 319, which prevented an estimated tax increase of $57 million for farmland across the state. To the relief of countless Hoosiers, the soil productivity factors used for the March 2011 assessment of agricultural land remained in place for property taxes payable in As the Budget Subcommittee Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Cherry was involved in creating and passing the state budget in Without overspending, the budget increased K-12 education funding by $390 million over the biennium and allotted $215 million per year for roads and bridges. The budget also contained a blend of tax relief including the immediate elimination of the Death Tax, reduction of the Financial Institutions tax, continued corporate income tax reduction and phased in income tax cut of 5%. In addition to the state budget, Cherry also supported measures that brought tax incentives to businesses looking to locate in Indiana as a way to grow the Hoosier economy. Cherry remains equally as involved in his local community in Hancock and Madison counties. He previously served as a Hancock County Councilman and as a member of both the Hancock County Planning Commission and Greenfield Board of Zoning Appeals. He was appointed by the governor to the State Board of Tax Commissioners and is the former Chair of the Agricultural Advisory Council. He is a member of the Elks, Kiwanis Club, Masonic Lodge, Murat Shrine and Farm Bureau. In August of 2007, Cherry received a 33rd Degree in Scottish Rite.

14 John B. Crane Years Served: 2016 present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Portions of Hendricks and Putman District: 24 Profession(s): Founder and CEO, Sagamore Leadership Initiative, Inc.; Adjunct Professor, Grace College: Indianapolis Education: Taylor University: B.A. in History and Psychology; Trinity International University: M.A. in Communication and Culture Committees: Education and Career Development, Elections, Family and Children Services, Pensions and Labor John B. Crane has represented Hoosiers of Central Indiana since his election in As a state senator, Crane represents Senate District 24, which includes portions of Hendricks and Putnam counties. Crane serves as a member on four Senate Committees: Education and Career Development, Elections, Family and Child Services, and Pensions and Labor. Professionally, Crane is the founder and CEO of Sagamore Leadership Initiative, Inc., a program for students to develop leadership skills. Crane received a bachelor s degree in history and psychology from Taylor University and a master s in communications and culture from Trinity International University. Outside the Statehouse, Crane s civic involvement includes being a member and teaching leader at Kingsway Christian Church of Avon, a Cook Fellow at Acton Institute and an original member of the Colson Fellows Program. He is currently the program director for the Hoosier Leadership Series, which educates Indiana leaders on policy and culture through the Indiana Family Institute, where he is a member of the Board of Directors.

15 Dan Forestal Years Served: present County(s): Marion District: 100 Party: Democratic Profession(s): Firefighter Education: Indiana University Purdue University, Ivy Tech Community College Committees: Roads and Transportation, Commerce, Small Business, and Economic Development State Representative Dan Forestal has lived in Indiana House District 100 nearly his entire life and was elected to the State Legislature on Nov. 6, Dan s goals at the Legislature include bringing jobs to the area, making sure every child gets a world-class education, and protecting hard-working middle class families. Currently an Indianapolis firefighter, Dan has also served as a bailiff in Marion County Superior Court 11 and as a jail guard at Marion County Jail II. He also started a small business that buys and rehabilitates abandoned homes in Indianapolis. Dan has dedicated his life to serving his community. He is an active member in Firefighters Local 416, International Association of Firefighters, and the Indianapolis Fire Department s Emerald Society. Dan s community involvement has included working with Habitat for Humanity, the Knights of Columbus, and the Wheeler Mission.

16 Aaron Freeman Years Served: 2016 present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Portions of Marion District: 32 Profession(s): Attorney/Owner, Aaron Freeman Law Office, LLC Education: Bradley University: B.S., University of Dayton School of Law: J.D. Committees: Civil Law, Corrections and Criminal Law, Education and Career Development, Judiciary Aaron Freeman has represented Senate District 32 since his election in Senate District 32 includes the Southeast portion of Marion County. Freeman is a member of the Senate Committees on Civil Law, Corrections and Criminal Law, Education and Career Development, and Judiciary. Outside the Senate, he serves as an attorney in his law office, Aaron Freeman Law Office LLC. He received his bachelor s degree from Bradley University and Juris Doctor Degree from the University Of Dayton School Of Law. Freeman previously was a Marion County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and served for six years on the Indianapolis City County Council. Freeman is a current Precinct Committeeman in Franklin Township and serves as the Chairman of the Franklin Township GOP Club.

17 Bill Friend Years Served: present County(s): Cass, Fulton, and Miami District: 23 Profession(s): Owner/Operator of Friend Farms, President of Green Acres Ham, LLC Education: University of Indianapolis: B.A. in Biology Committees: House Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, House Committee on Environmental Affairs, House Committee on Natural Resources State Representative Bill Friend (R-Macy) was first elected to serve the constituents of House District 23 in During his tenure at the Statehouse, Representative Friend has been a ranking member of the House Republican Leadership. Representative Friend was the Republican Floor Leader from and was selected to serve as Majority Floor Leader after House Republicans won the majority in the 2004 election. Representative Friend's most recent appointment was the Republican Speaker Pro Tempore for the 119th Indiana General Assembly. As owner and operator of Friend Farms and President of Green Acres Ham LLC, Representative Friend is a strong advocate for advancing rural communities across the State of Indiana. Throughout his career at the Statehouse, he has served on the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, Natural Resources Committee, Statutory Committee on Interstate and International Cooperation and the Committee on Joint Rules. He also served on the House Ways and Means Committee from During the 2005 session, Representative Friend authored legislation that collected money from Indiana's cigarette tax to be dedicated to the Clean Water Fund within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) budget. The Clean Water program will ensure productivity of Indiana soil and reduce the cost to taxpayers for cleaning ditches and waterways, which will ensure clean drinking water. Thanks to Representative Friend's leadership, this money will fund a popular program that has never been properly funded.

18 Douglas Gutwein Years Served: present County(s): Pulaski and portions of Fulton, Jasper, Newton, and Starke District: 16 Profession(s): Small business owner Education: Indiana University: B.S. in Education, Valparaiso University: Master s Degree Committees: Employment, Labor and Pensions, Veterans Affairs and Public Safety, Agriculture and Rural Development State Representative Douglas Gutwein was born and raised in Francesville. After high school, he served in the United States Army for 3 years in both Frankfort, Germany and Vietnam. After his service, he was a city mail carrier in both Valparaiso and southern California. He returned to Francesville in 1979 to run his brother s company, which he then bought several years later. In 1991, Rep. Gutwein was asked to sit on the Francesville town board. He was voted president of the town board in Among the things the board accomplished were reform of zoning laws, a sewer system, a grant which doubled the size of our public library and the procurement of funding through the Build Indiana program. With those funds, the board was able to add on to the town hall, which increased space for town hall offices, the police department, the water and sewer department, the town trustee, the fire department and ambulance drivers living quarters. Rep. Gutwein in is a member of the American Legion.

19 Ryan Hatfield Years Served: 2016 present County(s): Vanderburgh District: 77 Party: Democratic Profession(s): Attorney Education: Purdue University, Southern Illinois University: Juris Doctor Committee(s): Elections and Apportionment, Courts and Criminal Code, Judiciary, Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Ryan Hatfield has spent his professional career fighting for the people of Vanderburgh County. A local attorney and former Vanderburgh County Deputy Prosecutor, Hatfield is a lifelong Evansville resident whose work has ignited a passion to fight for the area s most vulnerable victims. Hatfield is a 2010 graduate of Purdue University and earned his Juris Doctor at Southern Illinois University in He returned to Evansville after graduation and immediately immersed himself in the community, becoming a member of numerous boards and organizations across Vanderburgh County. He also has served as a deputy prosecutor for Vanderburgh County s Treatment Courts, a board member of the Evansville- Vanderburgh Correctional Facility Advisory Board, and a volunteer for the Evansville Youth Hockey League. Alongside his work in the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor s Office, Hatfield is an active participant in local legal education, serving as an instructor at the Southwestern Indiana Law Enforcement Academy and an adjunct professor at Ivy Tech Community College. Among the legislative priorities Hatfield has highlighted include bringing good jobs to Evansville that pay a living wage, expanding resources to fix our crumbling infrastructure, and working to ensure that statewide education efforts result in better schools, provide teacher protection, and prepare our children for a bright future.

20 Randy Head Years Served: present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Cass, Fulton, Miami, and portions of Carroll, Kosciusko, and Marshall District: 18 Profession(s): Attorney Education: Indiana University: J.D., Wabash College: B.A. Committees: Civil Law, Local Government, Health and Provider Services Randall Head is a Republican member of the Indiana State Senate, representing District 18. He was first elected to the chamber in Following the 2014 elections, Head was named as Assistant Majority Floor Leader specializing in Communications. Head earned his Bachelor's from Wabash College, Crawfordsville, in 1991 and his J.D. from Indiana University, Bloomington, in His professional experience includes working as Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the following: Lake County Prosecutor's Office, Marion County Prosecutor's Office, Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's Office and Cass County Prosecutor's Office.

21 Bob Heaton Years Served: present County(s): Portions of Clay, Monroe, Owen, and Virgo District: 46 Profession(s): President of Heaton Financial Services Education: Indiana State University: B.S. Committees: Financial Institutions (Vice chair), Insurance, Natural Resources State Representative Bob Heaton was born in 1956 in Brazil, Indiana. Rep. Heaton grew up on a classic rural Hoosier farm that has been in the Heaton family for over 120 years. There he grew up with his mother, father, two brothers and one sister. His father, Forrest, was an employee of Public Service Company of Indiana (now Cinergy) for over 30 years and was also a part-time farmer. Rep. Heaton s mother, Betty, was a homemaker. As a child he attended Cory Elementary School and then attended Clay City High School where he was a star basketball player for the Clay City Eels. He graduated from Indiana State University with a B.S in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. He immediately was r recruited by Northwestern Mutual (in Terre Haute) right out of college and was a financial representative. After his tenure with Northwestern Mutual, Rep. Heaton was hired by the Forrest-Sherer Agency. Since 2003, he has been president of his own financial service venture, Heaton Financial Services in Terre Haute.

22 Todd Huston Years Served: present County(s): Fishers area, Hamilton District: 37 Profession(s): Senior Vice President for State and District Partnerships at the College Board Education: Indiana University: B.S. in Political Science Committees: Public Policy, Ways and Means, Rules and Legislative Procedures Todd Huston is your state representative for House District 37. Rep. Huston is a Senior Vice President at the College Board. Representative Huston serves on the Public Policy Committee and on the Ways and Means Committee. Representative Huston has actively served the community and the State. He has previously served on the Hamilton Southeastern School Board, Fishers Planning Commission, Indiana Leadership Forum Board of Directors and the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation Board. He served as the initial Chairman of the Indiana Charter School Board, the governing body that directs and authorizes the process for sponsoring charter schools around the state. Additionally, former Governor Mitch Daniels twice called on Rep. Huston to serve the state, first with a four year term as a member of the Indiana State Board of Education, and from 2006 to 2009 as a member of the Indiana Education Roundtable.

23 Michael Karickhoff Years Served: 2010 present County(s): Portions of Grant and Howard District: 30 Profession(s): Executive Director of Facilities at Ivy Tech Community College, Kokomo, Logansport, Peru and Rochester Education: University of Missouri: B.S. in Recreation and Park Administration Committees: Natural Resources, Ways and Means (Budget Subcommittee Chair), Select Committee on Government Reduction Mike Karickhoff (Deputy Speaker Pro Tem), first elected in 2010, has been an active member of his community for more than 30 years. From he was Superintendent of Parks in Kokomo, and he has served as Ivy Tech Community College's Region 5 Executive Director of Facilities since he left the parks department. Rep. Karickhoff also served seven years on the Kokomo Common Council as the Finance Chair and the President. Rep. Karickhoff and his wife, Kelly have four daughters and nine grandchildren. Kelly is also involved in the community. Rep. Karickhoff and his wife both encourage the growth and prosperity of their community and that directly translates into their professional lives.

24 Eric Koch Years Served: present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Brown, Lawrence and parts of Bartholomew, Jackson and Monroe District: 44 Profession(s): Attorney Education: Georgetown University: B.S., Indiana University School of Law: J.D. and Civil Mediation Certificate, University of Idaho: Graduate Certificate in Energy Policy Planning Committees: Civil Law, Commerce & Technology, Corrections & Criminal Law, Judiciary, Utilities State Senator Eric Koch has represented Senate District 44 since The district includes parts of Bartholomew, Jackson and Monroe counties, and all of Brown and Lawrence counties. Before his election to the Indiana State Senate, Koch served District 65 in the House of Representatives from 2002 until his election to the Senate in Koch serves as a member on the Senate Committees on Civil Law, Commerce and Technology, Corrections and Criminal Law, Judiciary, and Utilities. Professionally, Koch is an attorney with Koch & McAuley PC. He is also on the Board of Governors of the Society of Indiana Pioneers, and the Executive Board of the Hoosier Trails Council of the Boy Scouts of America. His awards and honors include Legislator of the Year from Mothers Against Drunk Driving in 2017, the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association in 2015, the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association in 2008 and 2015, and the Indiana Telecommunication Association in 2011; Legislative Service Award from Indiana Municipal Power Agency in 2017; Champion of Justice from Indiana Judges Association in 2016; and National Active & Retired Federal Employees Association.

25 Shane Lindauer Years Served: 2017 present County(s): Portions of Daviess, Dubois, Pike and Martin District: 63 Profession(s): Chiropractor, Small Business Owner Education: Indiana State University: B.S. in Industrial Supervision Technology; Logan College of Chiropractic: Doctorate and B.S. in Health and Human Sciences Committees: House Committee on Government Reduction, Natural Resources, and on Roads and Transportation Shane Lindauer is a Republican member of the Indiana House of Representatives, representing District 63. He was first appointed to the chamber by a Republican caucus on October 30, He is involved in the three House Committees that are Government Reduction, Natural Resources, and Roads and Transportation. He received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Supervision Technology from Indiana State University and his Doctorate of Chiropractic and Bachelor of Science in Health and Human Sciences from Logan College of Chiropractic. He has was a member of the Dubois County Council from 2010 to He is a member of the Redemption Christian Church and Cub Scouts Den Leader, and an Adjunct Professor at the Oakland City University (Bedford) and Ivy tech (Evansville).

26 Chris May Years Served: present County(s): Portions of Brown, Jackson, Johnson, Monroe, and Lawrence District: 65 Profession(s): Sales engineer and small-business owner Education: Vincennes University Committees: Local Government, Judiciary Committee, House Statutory Committee State Representative Chris May is a small-business owner and three-term Lawrence County commissioner. A graduate of Bedford North Lawrence High School and Vincennes University, May currently works at Whitney Tool as a sales engineer, and owns and operates Hoosier Tech Properties, a small business providing residential housing. May is deeply involved in the community and is a member of the Bedford Masonic Lodge #14, Sons of the American Legion Gillen Post #33, Springmill FOP Lodge #172 and Stone City FOP Lodge #94. He also serves on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence County.

27 Wendy McNamara Years Served: 2010 present County(s): Posey County and portion of Vanderburgh District: 76 Profession(s): Director of Early College High School Education: University of Indianapolis, undergrad in Political Science, Valparaiso: Teacher Certification, University of Southern Indiana: Masters in educational leadership Committee(s): Courts and Criminal Code (Vice Chair), Government and Regulatory Reform, Judiciary, Select Committee on Government Reduction State Representative Wendy McNamara represents Indiana House District 76, which includes portions of Posey and Vanderburgh counties. She was born and raised in Indiana and received her undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Indianapolis, teacher certification from Valparaiso University and Masters in Education and Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Indiana. She is currently seeking her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership through Indiana State University. Rep. McNamara brings many years of experience, knowledge and leadership to the Indiana House of Representatives with her educational career spanning over 19 years with the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. She served as a Teacher and Department Chair at Benjamin Bosse High School and at Harrison High School, as the Supervisor of Social Studies and as the Assistant Principal at North High School. Currently, she serves as the Director of Early College High School. This is a position she has truly been innovative in by developing a model for high school students who simultaneously earn both a high school diploma and an Associate s degree or two years of college credit toward a Bachelor s degree.

28 Mark Messmer Years Served: present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Pike, Spencer, and portions of Dubois, Knox, Gibson, and Warrick District: 48 Profession(s): Owner of Messmer Mechanical Inc. Education: Purdue University: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering Indiana State Sen. Mark Messmer has served Southern Indiana Hoosiers for the past nine years. Messmer served in the Indiana House of Representatives from and was elected to the Senate in 2014, where he continues to serve today. As a state senator, Messmer represents District 48, which includes all of Pike and Spencer counties along with portions of Dubois, Gibson, Knox and Warrick counties. Messmer serves as the Majority Whip and is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Technology. He also sits on the Senate Committees on Agriculture, Public Policy, and Natural Resources and is the Ranking Member on the Senate Committee on Utilities. Professionally, Messmer is the co-owner of Messmer Mechanical, Inc., and holds a bachelor s degree from Purdue University in Mechanical Engineering. Messmer s civic involvement isn t limited to just his service in the General Assembly. He is a member and previous officer of the Jasper Kiwanis Club, an officer in the Knights of Columbus, a member of the Evansville Chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, and was previously the Chairman of the society s Government Affairs Committee.

29 Justin Moed Years Served: 2012 present County(s): Marion District: 97 Party: Democratic Profession(s): Home Detention Officer Education: Butler University: B.S. Committees: Financial Institutions, Agricultural & Rural Development, Local Government, Natural Resources Justin Moed is a Democratic member of the Indiana House of Representatives, representing District 97. He was first elected to the chamber in Moed s earned his B.S. from Butler University in His professional experience includes working as a Home Detention Officer for Energe Monitoring. The legislator serves in the Agricultural and Rural Development, Financial Institutions, Local Government, and Natural Resources committees.

30 Sharon Negele Years Served: 2012 present County(s): Portions of Benton, Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton, Tippecanoe, Warren and White District: 13 Profession(s): President, Wolf s Homemade Cadies, Inc. Education: Western Michigan University: B.A. in Finance and Economics; University of Houston: M.B.A. in Finance Committees: Courts and Criminal Code (Vice Chair), Ways and Means Sharon Negele grew up in the eastern suburbs of Detroit, Michigan. She earned her bachelor s degree in Finance from Western Michigan University in 1982 and her Masters of Business Administration Degree (concentration in Finance) from the University of Houston in In 1996, Rep. Negele and her husband moved to Attica, Ind. to raise their family. Rep. Negele has considerable private and public sector experience; working 14 years in corporate finance for energy and telecommunications companies, 20 years as a small business owner of Wolf's Homemade Candies, three years as a grant writer/administrator and nine years as a Clerk/Treasurer for the City of Attica. Rep. Negele has been married for 33 years to her husband Dennis McIntosh. They have two children: Doyle, a graduate of Ball State University with a degree in Meteorology who is currently a captain in the U.S. Air Force and stationed in Shreveport, LA with his wife Kristen Kolar McIntosh; and Jessica, a graduate of Ball State University in Public Relations and a sales manager for a wine distributor in Houston, TX.

31 Gregory W. Porter Years Served: 1992 Present County(s): Marion District: 96 Party: Democratic Profession(s): Vice President of External Affairs, Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County Education: Earlham College: B.A.; Harvard University: John F. Kennedy School of Government Executive Program; Martin University: Doctorate Degree Committees: Ways and Means, Insurance, Public Health, Budget Committee Gregory W. Porter is a member of the 120th Indiana General Assembly. He is now serving his 13th term for the 96th House District in Indianapolis, Indiana. He is currently ranking minority member of the Indiana House Ways and Means Committee, and president of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL). As member of the Indiana General Assembly he and his legislative colleagues authored Resolution No. 56 that renames the section of Interstate Highway 65 from Seymour, Indiana to Johnson County the Tuskegee Airmen Highway. Mr. Porter also holds the position of vice-president of External Affairs for the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County. The National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) is composed of nearly 700 Black state legislators across 46 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its primary mission is to develop, conduct and promote educational, research and training programs designed to enhance the effectiveness of its members, as they consider legislation and issues of public policy which impact, either directly or indirectly upon the general welfare of African American constituents within their respective jurisdictions. Porter has held a number of board positions and other leadership roles within the state and at the national level. He is past chairman of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and past chairman of the Indiana House Education Committee. Mr. Porter served on the National Taskforce for No Child Left Behind, the Council of State Government, the NAACP, and the Earlham College African American Advisory Board. He has chaired the Education Committees of the NBCSL, Council of State Governments and National Caucus of State Legislators. He also has authored legislation that established accountability and standards for k-12 education, cultural competency, and anti-bullying.

32 John Ruckelshaus Years Served: present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Portions of Hamilton and Marion District: 30 Profession(s): Director of Business Development, Van Ausdall & Farrar/American Health & Wellness Education: Indiana University Committees: Environmental Affairs, Health and Provider Services, Insurance and Financial Institutions John Ruckelshaus is a Republican member of the Indiana State Senate, representing District 30. He was first elected to the chamber in He is deeply committed to improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods. He thinking improving our local education is very important and necessary for children to have bright futures. John believes we make our communities safer by bringing people from all walks of life together to cherish the neighborhoods we live in.

33 Jack E. Sandlin Years Served: present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Portions of Johnson and Marion District: 36 Profession(s): President of Jack Sandlin & Associates Fraud Examination Education: Indiana Wesleyan University: Masters in Business Administration, University of Indianapolis: B.S. in Business Administration, University of Indianapolis: A.S. in Criminal Justice Committees: Environmental Affairs, Homeland Security and Transportation, Public Policy, Veterans Affairs, and the Military Jack Sandlin is a Republican member of the Indiana State Senate, representing District 36. He was first elected to the chamber in 2016.Sandlin served in the Indianapolis City Council in Indiana, representing District 24 from 2010 to He won the general election on November 3, Sandlin holds an associate degree in criminal justice, a bachelor's degree in business, and an M.B.A. After graduating high school, Sandlin joined the Indianapolis Police Department, working there for over 20 years (with a break to serve in the U.S. Army). As part of his police work, he served on the Federal Drug Task Force and the Marion County Grand Jury, and he retired as the department's deputy chief of investigations. Sandlin went on to work as a law firm administrator at the firm of Harrison & Moberly, later deciding to start his own business in fraud examination, private investigation, and security consulting.

34 Robin Shackleford Years Served: 2012 present County(s): Marion District: 98 Party: Democratic Profession(s): Government Consultant Manager Education: Indiana University and IUPUI: B.S. and Master s in Public Affairs Committees: Public Health, Financial Institutions, Government and Regulatory Reform An Indianapolis native, State Representative Robin Shackleford has dedicated her life to the principles of servant-leadership. Robin has extensive experience in governmental, community and diversity affairs coupled with a strong background in project management, supervision, training, and budgeting. First elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2012, Robin represents the citizens of Indiana House District 98 on the leadership team, as the Assistant Caucus Chair. She has also served as a Precinct Committee Chairwoman for more than 10 years. She currently serves as a Government Consultant Manager for Crowe Horwath, a national CPA and consulting firm that provides accounting, consulting, and IT services to government entities. In this role, Shackleford has managed several projects while maintaining and enhancing client relationships, improving staff development, and increasing sales. Prior to joining Crowe Horwath, her passion for public service was at the forefront while employed in the Office of Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson as the Diversity Affairs Director. In this role, she was responsible for raising and maintaining the awareness of diversity matters and for promoting a broad range of activities identified to help the city achieve greater diversity. With a career rooted in government affairs, Shackleford has worked as a Policy and Research Specialist for the Indiana Health Care Association, where she developed public policy. Additionally, Shackleford gleaned extensive experience about issues impacting the Indiana State Legislature through positions she has held with the Indiana Department of Commerce, the Indiana House of Representatives, and the Clerk of the Supreme & Appellate Courts.

35 Victoria Spartz Years Served: 2017 present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Portions of Hamilton District: 20 Profession(s): Certified Public Accountant, Farmer, Small Business Owner, Adjunct Faculty at the IU Kelley School of Business (Indianapolis) Education: National University of Economics (Ukraine): B.S. and M.B.A.; IU Kelley School of Business (Indianapolis): Master of Professional Accountancy; HBS Executive Education Program Committee(s): Education and Career Development, Environmental Affairs, Insurance and Financial Institutions, Pensions and Labor Victoria Spartz has served Senate District 20, which includes portions of Hamilton County, since she was appointed in 2017.She is a member of the Senate Committees on Education and Career Development, Environmental Affairs, Insurance and Financial Institutions, and Pensions and Labor. Spartz, a native of Ukraine, earned a bachelor s and master s degree from the National University of Economics in Ukraine as well as a Master of Professional Accountancy from IU s Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis. She also graduated from the HBS Executive Education Program. Spartz is a CPA, farmer, small business owner and adjunct faculty for IU s Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis. She previously worked in the Big Four public accounting firms and as the CFO of the Indiana Attorney General s Office.

36 Holli Sullivan Years Served: 2014 present County(s): Portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick District: 78 Profession(s): Owner of Onward Consulting, LLC Education: University of Missouri: Industrial Engineering B.S., Lindenwood University: Education in Business Management Committee(s): Ways and Means, Roads and Transportation Representative Holli Sullivan has represented House District 78 since She lives in Evansville with her husband Chad and their three children: Dalton, Savannah and Sawyer. Before opening her own consulting firm in 2010, Rep. Sullivan worked in management at General Motors Corporation and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana. She was also a consultant for Southern Indiana s Center for Applied Research. She is a board member of the Joint Workforce Investment Board, a member of Young Life Evansville and member of the Minority Women s Business Enterprise. She is also a graduate of the Richard G. Lugar Excellence in Public Service series. Rep. Sullivan has authored numerous bills since joining the House. In 2015, she authored HB 1004 creating the Safety P.I.N. grant program to combat infant mortality in Indiana. Last session, she co-authored HB 1001 which began the process of reviewing and revising road funding in order to ensure that Indiana maintains and improves its vital infrastructure as the Crossroads of America. She also was selected as the House representative on the FIRSST task force to develop a long-term funding plan for state highway and major bridge needs. Rep. Sullivan has authored and supported numerous bills focused on making government more streamlined and efficient to save taxpayer s money. Rep. Sullivan primary focus in every session is on being a strong voice for the citizens of House District 78 and protecting taxpayer s dollars.

37 Vanessa Summers Years Served: 1991 Present County(s): Marion District: 99 Party: Democratic Profession(s): Special Projects Coordinator, Julian Center Education: IUPUI; Indiana College of Mortuary Science: Associate s Degree Committees: Family, Children and Human Affairs; Public Policy; Statutory Committee on Interstate and International Cooperation Vanessa J. Summers started in the Indiana House of Representatives in Upon the death of her father, the late Joseph W. Summers, she filled the unexpired term and has been elected ever since. In February of 2012, she became the first female as well as first African-American to become Democratic Caucus Chairman. Vanessa s goals in the Indiana General Assembly include improving the infant mortality in Indiana and all children s issues. Another interest is the prisoner re-entry program. Ms. Summers is currently the Coordinator of the National Diabetes Prevention Program at the Indiana Minority Health Coalition in Indianapolis. She has worked for The ARC of Indiana (a statewide advocacy group for people with intellectual disabilities and their families) and the Julian Center Shelter (a domestic violence center). Vanessa is also a funeral director and embalmer for Summers Funeral Chapel, a familyowned and -run business. Vanessa graduated from St. Mary s Academy for Girls, attended IUPUI, and received an associate degree from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1981 and licensed by the State of Indiana.

38 Greg Taylor Years Served: 2008 present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Marion District: 33 Party: Democratic Profession(s): Senior Council at MWH Law Group Education: Indiana University Law School Committees: Appropriations, Civil Law (RMM), Corrections and Criminal Law (RMM), Judiciary, Public Policy, School Funding Subcommittee Greg Taylor became a member of the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus after being elected to represent Senate District 33 in November As a business and government attorney, Taylor joined the Senate with a breadth of knowledge and experience regarding economic development and job creation. A member of several local organizations, Taylor understands and appreciates the diversity found in the community and workplace. In the State Senate, Taylor is the Ranking Democrat on the Corrections and Criminal Law Committee as well as the Elections and Civil Law Committee. He also serves as a member of the Senate Appropriations, Judiciary, and Local Government Committees. Taylor has also been appointed as a member of the Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, the White River State Park Development Commission, the Uniform Law Commission, the Public Defender Commission, Code Revision Commission as well as the State Fair Advisory Commission. Taylor also serves on the Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures, a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the nation s 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. In addition, Senator Taylor has been appointed to the National Legislative Conference of the Council of State Governments Economic Development Committee as well as the Midwestern Legislative Conference Economic Development Committee. A graduate of Indiana University Law School in Bloomington, Taylor practices law as Senior Counsel at MWH Law Group, in the firm s transnational division and specializes in municipal finance law. Prior to his work with MWH, Taylor worked for the State of Indiana Department of Commerce, Business Development Division. He is also a member of the National Association of Bond Lawyers and the Indiana State Bar Association.

39 Jim Tomes Years Served: 1992 present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Posey and portions of Gibson and Vanderburgh District: 49 Profession(s): Former teamster, truck driver, union steward Education: Mater Dei High School, Evansville Ivy Tech Community College: associates degree Committee(s): Agriculture, Commerce and Technology, Corrections & Criminal Law, Natural Resources, Utilities Jim Tomes is a Republican member of the Indiana Senate, representing the 49th District since As one of the founders of the 2nd Amendment Patriots gun rights grassroots organization, he has served as its director since its inception in January This group is dedicated to protecting the Second Amendment, guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. He has received support from the Tea Party and is a proponent for conservative causes including smaller government, right to life and the 2nd amendment. For 33 years, he was a trucker and served as a union steward. He broke ranks with Republican leadership in the State Senate and the administration of Republican Governor Mitch Daniels to oppose the "right-to-work" legislation that became law in Indiana in He is also an opponent of Transgender Rights, introducing SB 35 in the 2016 session of the Indiana General Assembly. SB 35 is a 'Bathroom Bill,' and defines "biological gender" as being set at birth "by an individual's chromosomes and identified at birth by the individual's anatomy

40 Heath VanNatter Years Served: present County(s): Portions of Carroll, Cass, Howard, and Clinton District: 38 Profession(s): Director of Indiana Builders Association, Director of National Association of Home Builders, Owner and Operator of VanNatter Construction Education: Northwestern High School Committees: Utilities and Energy (Vice Chair), Environmental Affairs, Local Government Rep. VanNatter was born and raised in western Howard County where he currently resides with his wife Felicia and their three children, Madison, Bella, and Cole. Heath is a graduate of Northwestern High School and has been a small business owner for the past thirteen years. He was the past president of the Howard County Home Builders Association, of which he is a current board member. In addition, he currently serves on the Executive Committee for the Indiana Builders Association, The Board of Directors for National Association of Home Builders, and is a past member of the Howard County Plan Commission. Rep. VanNatter also serves on the Howard County Republican Party Steering Committee. Heath and his family are members of the Faith Church of Christ in Burlington, IN. As a small business owner and local employer, Heath understands the struggles facing the economy and the fiscal responsibility that Indiana must adhere to. As a homebuilder, he realizes the need for safe and affordable housing. Housing that not only provides shelter, but also a platform for economic growth. Heath is devoted to playing an active role in economic development, working with all interested parties to bring new jobs and retain the ones that exist in District 38.

41 Greg Walker Years Served: present Chamber(s): Senate County(s): Portions of Bartholomew and Johnson District: 41 Profession(s): Proffer Brainchild Analytics Innovation, Senior Consultant Education: Indiana University: B.A. in Business Finance, Wesleyan University: M.B.A. Committees: Elections, Family and Children Services, Insurance and Financial Institutions, Ethics, Pension and Labor, Tax and Fiscal Policy Greg Walker is a Republican member of the Indiana State Senate, representing District 41. He was first elected to the chamber in Walker earned his B.A. in Business Finance from Indiana University in His professional experience includes working as a Tax Auditor for the State of Indiana, Branch Manager for South Central Company and Senior Tax Accountant for Macs Convenience Stores, Limited Liability Company.

42 Thomas Washburne Years Served: 2012 present County(s): Gibson, portions of Know, Pike, Vanderburgh, and Posey District: 64 Profession(s): Attorney Education: Purdue University: B.S. in Engineering, J.D. Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law Committee(s): Courts and Criminal Code (Chair), Judiciary, Financial Institutions State Representative Tom Washburne is no stranger to his district, having lived in its northern, central and southern sections at different points in his life. As a graduate of Princeton Community High School and a member of several local organizations, Rep. Washburne is involved and invested in his community. After Rep. Washburne earned an engineering degree from Purdue, he married his wife Lynne and taught electronics at Vincennes University before heading off to law school at the Indiana University School of Law-Indianapolis. Upon completing a federal judicial clerkship in Indianapolis, Rep. Washburne and his family returned to Vincennes, where he practiced law in the Hart Bell law firm. In 1995, Rep. Washburne joined the Washington DC, staff of Indiana Congressman John Hostettler, eventually becoming Chief of Staff. In 2001, he left Capitol Hill and joined the staff of the Home School Legal Defense Association, where he defended the rights of parents to educate their children at home if they chose to do so. He later served as Indiana Congressman Mike Sodrel's Chief of Staff and on the staff of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Michigan. In 2007, Rep. Washburne accepted a position with Old National Bancorp in Evansville, and settled his family near Darmstadt in northern Vanderburgh County.

43 David A. Wolkins Years Served: present County(s): Wabash and portions of Kosciusko, Miami, and Grant District: 18 Profession(s): Self-employed Education: Greenville College: B.S., Francis College: M.S. Committees: Environmental Affairs, Select Committee on Government Reduction, Government and Regulatory Reform, Natural Resources David Wolkins has had a constant focus on eminent domain since He has been devoted to creating legislation that would clarify the law and protect property owners' rights. During the 2006 legislative session, he authored House Enrolled Act 1010 (HEA 1010), which makes it more difficult for the government to seize property through eminent domain laws by more clearly defining requirements of property acquisition. Wolkins received his Bachelor of Science from Greenville College and his Masters from St. Francis College. After completing his formal education, he was a school teacher from 1965 to He was a very active teacher, who coached cross country and the track team. In 1977, Wolkins decided to go into business for himself and opened the Case Farm Tractor Dealership, his business selling farm equipment until Then he became the Vice President of ABC Travel Inc, where he worked until 1988, when he was elected to the State Legislature.