Hendricks County representatives receive top ranking from Indiana Chamber

STATEHOUSE (June 27, 2019) – Three local lawmakers recently received top rankings for supporting pro-economy, pro-jobs legislation in the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Vote Analysis.

Based on their votes cast in agreement with the Indiana Chamber’s position on 38 bills during the 2019 legislative session, State Reps. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis), Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) and Jeffrey Thompson (R-Lizton) received a score of 95% or above. 

Legislation considered in the scoring included a new law authored by Behning establishing teacher career ladders.

“This session, we took significant steps to empower teachers to earn more while growing professionally,” said Behning, chair of the House Education Committee. “If we have strong educators leading our classrooms, Indiana will continue to have talented individuals entering the workforce and growing our economy.”  

As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, Thompson worked on the state’s balanced, two-year budget.

“Our commitment to pro-business policies has helped to create an environment where companies can thrive,” Thompson said. “My goal continues to be to support Hoosier employers so they can be successful in a highly competitive world and passing on a strong economy to the next generation.”

Steuerwald, a member of the House Committee on Courts and Criminal Code, authored the amendment establishing the state’s all-inclusive hate crimes bill, which was supported by the chamber.

“The Indiana Chamber does a great job in communicating with policymakers as to what Hoosier job providers need to succeed,” Steuerwald said. “Because the success of employers directly correlates with the success or our state, it’s vital we support them and continue to create a business-friendly atmosphere on behalf hardworking entrepreneurs.”

According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the state’s labor force has experienced record growth, with more than 37,000 Hoosiers entering the workforce since April 2018.

In its four-year aggregate, the chamber scored each House member from Hendricks County above 96%.