Indy Standard

Allen County legislators recently received appointments to serve on interim study committees. State lawmakers participate in these committees throughout the summer and fall to examine key policy issues, gather public input, and recommend legislation for the regular session beginning in January.

State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) will chair the Interim Study on Financial Institutions and Insurance. This committee will collaborate with the Interim Study Committee on Public Health, Behavioral Health, and Human Services to study market concentration in various health-related industries.

"A constant concern and frustration I hear from constituents and local business owners is the rising cost of health care, and they're absolutely right," Carbaugh said. "We have a lot of work to do to ensure Hoosiers have access to affordable and high-quality care, and I look forward to diving into many of these issues in the months ahead."

Carbaugh will also serve on the Interim Study Committee on Pension Management Oversight, which will review the Indiana Public Retirement System's latest financial report and assets invested in foreign countries, as well as entities impacted by divestment from Russian-linked investments.

State Rep. Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) will be a member of the Simplified State Sales Tax Administration Delegates and serve on the Interim Study Committee on Fiscal Policy.

"Because of the complexity of the many financial issues critical to the state, it's always prudent to look ahead and see what may be coming down the road," Heine said. "Examining multi-year reviews of tax incentives, workforce-related programs, and tax expenditures will provide good insight from which to base future policies and programs. We will also review the school funding formula, specifically the complexity index."

State Rep. Bob Morris (R-Fort Wayne) will chair the Interim Study Committee on Commerce and Economic Development. He will also be a member of both the Environmental Adjudication Director Selection panel and Interim Study Committee on Roads and Transportation.

"Legislators receive many inquiries from groups seeking a specialty license plate and also for naming bridges and sections of roads," Morris said. "We want to look at those requests for the upcoming legislative session in January and discuss them. Also, we'll examine issuing driver record cards to Indiana residents who cannot provide proof of identity or lawful status in order to obtain driving privileges."

Members of the public are welcome to attend committee hearings at the Statehouse in Indianapolis or watch them online at iga.in.gov.

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