Blog
Sen. Deery Shares Update
| Fighting to Protect Indiana Water: One of the Senate’s priority bills, Senate Bill 4, would establish a permitting system and regulatory process to move water out of one community and into another. The bill is well intended, and the mere fact that it is now a Senate priority shows how far we have come in making our case that such protections are needed. As a member of the Senate Committees on Utilities, I worked closely with the author to add some needed improvements such as a clarification that the regulations would apply to the LEAP project, and the requirement that a permit only be issued if it’s in the public interest. I also added a stipulation that a permit can be revoked for violating its terms. Despite these upgrades, I do not believe the bill is ready for law, and I voted against it in committee with the pledge to keep working with the author to improve it enough that I can feel like it’s worth enacting. * * * LEADING THE Governor to the State of the State: On Wednesday, I was selected to be one of a few lawmakers to lead the new governor into the House Chamber for his State of the State address. I was honored to be a part of the tradition and ceremony, and I look forward to working with Gov. Braun to provide property tax relief, invest in a healthier Indiana and support the next generation of Hoosiers. * * * CELEBRATING Purdue Engineering: On Tuesday, 15 Purdue Engineering students joined me on the Senate floor to pass a resolution honoring the 150th anniversary of Purdue Engineering. * * * SPEAKING TO Water and Soil Advocates: This week I gave speeches at the annual Soil and Water Conservation Conference followed by another speech at a Water Stewardship event held at the Statehouse and sponsored by Indiana Conservation Voters. * * * PUSHING MY bills forward: I also presented two of my bills in committee hearings and passed another one out of the Senate. Read more about those bills below. | |
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| LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: This week, some of my bills moved through the legislative process. Here is a quick update. Two bills pass the full Senate Senate Bill 121 would protect our rivers from destructive net fishing practices stemming from our country’s failed immigration policies. It passed the Senate Thursday with bipartisan support. Senate Bill 255 would help our schools recruit more qualified STEM teachers and require schools to change their policies on bullying investigations to prioritize parental rights. It unanimously passed the Senate Tuesday and now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration. Committee update Senate Bill 249 would make it easier for school corporations to give their top teachers and the teachers working in shortage areas a meaningful salary raise. It was heard during a meeting of the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development Wednesday. Senate Bill 505 would allow emergency responders to transport individuals to a health care facility, mental health facility or urgent care facility that can provide the patient appropriate and necessary treatment. It unanimously passed the Senate Committee on Health and Provider Services Wednesday and has been recommitted to the Senate Committee on Appropriations for further consideration. * * * | |
| IMPROVING government efficiency: Over the last few years, Senate Republicans have supported many government reform measures aimed at cutting waste and holding our state government accountable for how it invests taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. You deserve to have a responsive and responsible state government, which is why Senate Republicans are prioritizing Senate Bill 5 this session. SB 5 would ensure our state continues to responsibly invest taxpayer dollars by: Requiring a state agency to provide updates when it awards contracts worth $500,000 or more; Requesting reports be submitted to the State Budget Committee if a state agency would like to be granted funds or membership in a new federal program; and Proposing that the State Budget Director review any vacant position that has been open for at least 90 days to see if the position is necessary. As always, I encourage residents of Senate District 23 to contact me with any questions or comments you may have. I can be reached by filling out a “Contact Me” form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Deery or by phone at 800-382-9467. State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) represents Senate District 23, which includes Fountain, Parke, Vermillion and Warren counties, and portions of Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties. | |
