Bell, Leonard among House of Representatives sworn in today for 116th General Assembly
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Members of the House of Representatives were sworn in today for the 116th General Assembly during the legislature’s Organization Day. Among them are state Reps. Matt Bell, Randy Borror, Dick Dodge, Jeff Espich, Dan Leonard and Phyllis Pond. Bell and Leonard represent Whitley County. 
Indiana Supreme Court Justice Frank Sullivan Jr. presided over the swearing-in of the 100 members of the Indiana House of Representatives.
“The economy is top priority for most Hoosiers,” said Rep. Matt Bell (R-Avilla). “During the upcoming session, the General Assembly must work together to pass legislation that will move Indiana in a positive direction by creating a robust economy, vibrant cities and wholesome places for families.”
During the 2009 legislative session, House Republicans plan to continue support for an honestly balanced state budget that limits state government spending growth. The state budget is the only legislation the General Assembly must pass this session. However, the Representatives have spent the past year collecting input from local residents on other possible legislation.
“After a contentious election cycle, I am ready to get to work,” said Rep. Borror. “We must start by balancing the state budget, and move forward by providing educational opportunities for Hoosiers, creating the workforce needed to attract high-paying new technology-based employers.”
“Today is the beginning of what will be an important session,” stated Rep. Espich (R-Uniondale). “Crafting a fiscally sound budget will remain my top priority as the session moves along. It is more important now than ever that we continue to build on Indiana’s positive credit rating and recent history of financial solvency. Job creation and education will continue to be areas of great importance as we strive to make Indiana the best state to locate a business and raise a family.”
The Indiana General Assembly is a part-time legislature, meeting on a two-year cycle — three months in even-numbered years and four months in odd-numbered years. Long sessions, such as the upcoming one, are when the two-year state budget is completed. The short session is relatively new for the legislature. Until 1969, Indiana legislators met every other year. In 1970, the legislature decided to allow short sessions to deal with important issues facing the state.
“Our nation is facing some trying times,” said Rep. Dodge. “Over the next two years, the General Assembly must work together in a bipartisan fashion to pass legislation that will attract jobs to our state and improve our economy.”
“Funding will be a top priority this year since the state’s budget will be determined for the next two years during this session,” said Rep. Leonard. “I would like to see a balanced budget, more scholarships created for Hoosier students and quality job creation.”
The public is encouraged to watch the legislative process over the House Internet Program, a Republican-created initiative, and can view both the House floor or committee proceedings at www.in.gov/legislative . Click on “Watch the General Assembly Session” on the right side of the screen.
“There are lots of new faces at the Statehouse this year, and I look forward to working with everyone,” said Rep. Pond. “We must focus on balancing the budget and bringing jobs to our state. In addition, the freshman legislators will bring new ideas and issues to the table, hopefully, moving our state in a positive direction.
The upcoming 2009 legislative session will begin on January 7 and must conclude by April 29, 2009.