From Indiana Association of United Ways:
The 2017 legislative session is underway
The Indiana General Assembly has begun, and committee meetings are being scheduled. The last day for bills to get filed is today, and more than 840 bills have already been filed. This session is a "long session" where lawmakers will decide the state's next two-year budget which is typically about $30 billion. Legislators will make tough funding decisions on state government services including education, infrastructure and public safety.
Links to help you follow are below:
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Governor Holcomb prioritizes economy and the workforce, infrastructure and attacking the drug epidemic
The newly inaugurated Governor Holcomb recently released his Next Level Legislative Agenda. The agenda tells us more about the new administration's funding and policy priorities for the future. The agenda includes five key priority areas:
- Cultivate a strong and diverse economy by growing Indiana as a magnet for jobs: pass an honestly balanced budget, make Indiana an innovation hub, continue the Regional Cities program and create entrepreneurship grants.
- Create a 20-year plan to fund roads and bridges: maintain current roads and invest in the future, incentivize more direct flights, double track the south shore line in northwest Indiana, leverage Federal dollars for local projects.
- Develop a 21st century skilled and ready workforce: double the state's investment in pre-k, increase incentives for adult credential/certificate programs, appoint a Secretary of Education, align STEM efforts through K-12 education.
- Attack the drug epidemic: local authority to establish syringe exchange programs, limit the amount of controlled substances prescriptions and refills, enhance penalties for pharmacy robberies.
- Deliver great government service: modernize the Department of Revenue computer system, expand the nurse family partnership to combat infant mortality, update the Indiana State Police labs.
Many of the Governor's priorities are reflected in legislation that has been filed by the Indiana General Assembly. We will know more about how they fare as the session continues.
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Register now for January 30 legislative update webinar
IaUW partners with the Indiana Coalition for Human Services to bring you updates during the legislative session. The first update webinar will take place on Monday, January 30 at 2pmET. We will share an update about the progress with legislation affecting working Hoosiers, children, seniors and people with disabilities. Register now to watch the webinar live. The recorded version will be posted on our website if you are not able to watch the live recording. Additional legislative update webinars will be recorded on March 10 and May 5.
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Check out our Third House / Meet Your Legislator event calendar 
IaUW is tracking Third House Sessions and "meet your legislator" events across the state. These meetings are opportunities for constituents to talk to their legislators and learn about bills they are working on at the statehouse. It is important that legislators hear input from their constituents, and these events are a great way for you to connect and share your thoughts. View our Third House Calendar that will be updated regularly throughout the legislative session. Check back often for new events as they are posted. Upcoming events include:
- Carroll County - January 27 at 12:00pm
- Elkhart County - January 21 at 10:00am
- Greater Lafayette - January 21 at 7:30am
- Howard County - January 27 at 4:00pm
- Shelby County - January 27 at 11:30am
- St. Joseph County - January 27 at 12:00pm
If you attend, drop us a note to share a little about your experience.
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