Local legislators return to the Statehouse for Organization Day

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 20, 2018) – House lawmakers representing Hendricks County returned to the Statehouse Monday for the Indiana General Assembly’s Organization Day.

State Reps. Bob Behning (R-Indianapolis), Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) and Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) were among those who met for the ceremonial start of the 2019 legislative session.

“Organization Day, which occurs annually in November, is a great opportunity for members of the General Assembly to meet new legislators and prepare for the upcoming session,” Thompson said. “The day is very busy, and everyone is energized as they come to work on behalf of their constituents.”

Following the general election this month, all re-elected members and member-elects were also sworn into office.

“Taking the oath of office is a very meaningful event as each member pledges to support the state and U.S. Constitution,” Steuerwald said. “Now, we are ready to tackle our legislative priorities and continue making progress for all Hoosiers.”

Members of the House of Representatives are partnering with the Indiana Division of The Salvation Army to increase awareness about childhood hunger. Advocacy groups report nearly half of all food-insecure households in Indiana have children living there, and 33 percent of those being served at Hoosier food banks are under the age of 18. House legislators are collecting non-perishable food items for school children who face a period of hunger between the free lunch they receive in school on Friday and the free breakfast they receive in school on Monday.

“Unfortunately, and due to a variety of circumstances, some children struggle with access to food on the weekend,” Behning said. “Our schools do a wonderful job of stepping in to help their students, and we want to spread the word about this need so that we can all come together to help these kids. The Salvation Army is a great partner and House members look forward to teaming up with the organization for this worthy cause.”

The 2019 legislative session begins Jan. 3 and by law must conclude by April 29.

Constituents who want to stay informed about the Indiana General Assembly and members of the House of Representatives can sign up to receive legislative email updates at www.IndianaHouseRepublicans.com.