Gov. Eric Holcomb (left) presents State Rep. Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton) (right) with the Sagamore of the Wabash for his service to the state on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025, in the governor’s office at the Statehouse in Indianapolis.
As the current chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Thompson has worked to pass balanced state budgets that keep taxes low for Hoosiers while investing in key priorities including education and infrastructure. Since being elected in 1998, Thompson has served on committees including the House Education Committee and as chair of the House Ways and Means’ K-12 Subcommittee, where he worked to change the school funding formula so money follows students, empowering parents and families to choose the best school for them.
Dating back to the 1940s, the Sagamore of the Wabash was created by former Gov. Ralph Gates. It is the highest honor the governor can bestow and is presented to distinguished Hoosiers who have made significant contributions to the state of Indiana.