Updates From Sen. Deery

Enjoying Indiana’s Natural Beauty

June is Great Outdoors Month, and West Central Indiana is home to many areas that showcase the natural beauty of our state.

I recently joined Justin Harmeson from NICHES Land Trust and local farmer Dan DeSutter for a conversation on regenerative farming and a tour of a Fountain County property being restored and protected by NICHES.

NICHES helps protect natural habitats across the region so Hoosiers can enjoy them for decades to come.

Finding ways to preserve Indiana’s natural beauty and making it easier for more Hoosiers to spend time outdoors are causes worthy of the General Assembly’s attention.

In this last session, we made a significant investment into the state fund that helps local communities protect Indiana soil and water and to control invasive species. We also unanimously passed Senate Enrolled Act 151, which gave foster families free access to Indiana State Parks.

Studying Important Issues

As a part-time legislature, my colleagues and I have the opportunity to conduct in-depth studies on complicated issues by participating in summer study committees.

This year, these committees will focus on issues like mental health among veterans, crime trends, traffic fatalities, artificial intelligence and more.

Work will also continue on topics from the 2023 legislative session including studying the state’s high health care costs, reviewing Medicaid costs, services and possible changes in existing services, and continuing to plan for Indiana’s major road and bridge needs.

Perhaps most importantly, the State and Local Tax Review Task Force will take a comprehensive look at Indiana’s tax system. While Indiana has consistently ranked among the best tax climates in the country, this new task force will look for ways to reduce or eliminate certain taxes so Hoosiers can keep more of their hard-earned money. Personally, I am most concerned about property taxes and our need to do more to reduce that burden for senior citizens and other Hoosiers on fixed incomes.         

INDOT Update for Senate District 23

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) recently rescheduled lane restrictions along State Road 26 in Pine Village.

INDOT will now restrict lanes on the highway starting as soon as Monday, July 10, for a road rehabilitation project.

Work on this project is expected to last through the end of September.

Indiana DNR Releases New Smartphone App

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced it has released a new, upgraded smartphone app for iPhone and Android users.

The app is also formatted for use on iPads and Galaxy Tabs.

The updated app includes information and maps for DNR properties like state parks, forests, fish & wildlife areas and more.

Details on how to download the app can be found at on.in.gov/dnr-apps.

Free Summer Meals Available for Indiana Students

This summer, Indiana students age 18 and younger have access to free, nutritious meals and snacks at more than 1,000 locations across the state through the 2023 Summer Food Service Program.

Locations range from parks and community centers to schools, churches and mobile sites. These, as well as meal services times, may vary throughout Indiana.

– Spencer Deery is an Indiana State Senator serving District 23 which includes Fountain, Parke, Vermillion, Warren and portions of Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.