First responders, like police officers and firefighters, are essential to the safety and prosperity of our communities. Whether they’re responding to a crime scene, a vehicle crash or a house fire, these men and women take time away from their families to ensure we get help during our greatest times of need. With that in mind, this year I supported new laws that:Ensure police officers and firefighters hurt in the line of duty can still receive health coverage;Raise the clothing and vehicle allowance for volunteer firefighters;Provide extra retirement benefits for state police officers; andIncrease the death benefit for retired police officers.These new laws build on work Senate Republicans have completed in recent years to increase the pay for Indiana State Police, support the mental health of first responders and recognize first responders who go above the call of duty. I will always unequivocally stand with our first responders who keep our families, properties and communities safe. After all, that’s the first and most basic responsibility of government.
Investing in Cayuga
This week, I spoke at the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Cayuga Energy Project and attended a luncheon where several Vermillion County nonprofit organizations received grant funding from Duke Energy. This project will give our state the capacity to power more than a million homes, but it also will benefit the Wabash River. Currently, during the summer months, the plant is not always able to operate at full capacity because doing so would raise the river’s temperature to ecologically unsafe levels. That will change with this project. But most importantly, this investment ensures that the Cayuga plant will continue to provide jobs and a strong tax base for the people of Vermillion County for decades to come.
Indiana Celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary with Statewide Events As America prepares to celebrate our 250th anniversary, communities across Indiana are bringing history to life through special events and reenactments. From the 1779 Battle of Fort Sackville reenactment in Vincennes, to public readings of the Declaration of Independence in Corydon and commemorative events in Indianapolis, Hoosiers can experience the stories that shaped our nation. I encourage you to take part in these events and reflect on the legacy of those who helped secure our freedoms.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.
