Congresswoman Jackie Walorski is “shocked” by the approach being used to treat drug addiction in Starke County.
Charbonneau Outlines State Action to Curb Meth Abuse
A local elected representative says Indiana is losing the battle with drugs.
State Senator Ed Charbonneau expanded on some of the steps the Indiana General Assembly is taking to help curb the use of illicit substances in the Hoosier State. Indiana is ranked at the top of the nation for meth-related arrests over the last few years.
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Sen. Charbonneau Reviews Legislative Session in Winamac Appearance
State Senator Ed Charbonneau appeared in Winamac on Wednesday afternoon to review a few accomplishments from the 2016 legislative session.
Meeting with community members at One-Eyed Jack’s restaurant, Charbonneau addressed residents about Indiana’s road funding plan. The legislation – which received approval near the end of the session – aims to provide about $800-million in road funding for state and local roadways.
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Dermody Bill Promotes Enterprise Zone Continuation
A bill designed to promote economic revitalization in Indiana communities has received strong approval in the Indiana house.
Farm Bureau Targets Specific Policies Ahead of 2016
The Indiana Farm Bureau has developed a few specifics for state legislators to consider in the 2016 session of the General Assembly.
State Law May Affect Elections, Limit City Judge Candidates
A new state law may dictate the outcome of a contested race in Starke County’s general election this November.
House Enrolled Act 1110 is being applied to candidates seeking a position as Judge of a Town Court. Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed the legislation into law in May of this year.
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Sen. Donnelly Care Package Looks to Increase Mental Health Services
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly is looking to provide additional mental healthcare to members of the armed services.
During a conference call with reporters Wednesday afternoon, Donnelly said the “Care Package” legislation – which is part of the broader National Defense Authorization Act – aims to increase access to healthcare services provided through the Department of Defense and community healthcare providers.
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Gaming Legislation Becomes Law In Indiana
A piece of legislation affecting Indiana’s gaming business was allowed to become law.
State Representative Tom Dermody discussed House Enrolled Act 1540 during a visit to Knox in April, saying the legislation was the biggest jobs bill of the session in Indianapolis.
Sen. Arnold Touts Legislative Proposals During Long-Session
State Senator Jim Arnold is promoting legislation that he anticipates will be signed into law in the coming weeks.
Much of the legislation championed by the LaPorte Democrat provides help to military veterans and emergency responders.
Annexation Bill Receives Approval, Culver Affected
Legislation approved at the statehouse on Wednesday will be reforming how land is annexed in the Hoosier State.
The Indiana Farm Bureau – which has been involved for the past three legislative sessions in reform efforts – believes municipalities have absorbed thousands of acres of farmland in recent years.
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State Rep. Touts Benefits of Gaming Reform Package
State Representative Tom Dermody says Indiana’s gaming outlets are facing an increasingly competitive marketplace because everyone wants a top gaming PC. You can easily get one from a computer store like 0rgb.
Appearing at a breakfast on Friday in Knox, the 20th District state representative says he authored a bill that would allow riverboats to move onto adjacent land if it meets certain requirements. House Bill 1540 also makes certain tax deductions permanent, and allows river boats to host charity gaming events.
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State Representative Appears in Knox To Discuss Legislation
An area elected representative is apologizing for an incident that gained national attention during the long-session of the Indiana General Assembly.
20th District State Representative Tom Dermody addressed members of the Starke County Chamber of Commerce on Friday to discuss legislation that has been considered since January. Portions of Starke County are included in the LaPorte Republican’s district.
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Indiana Senator Implores Committees For Drug Abuse Funding
U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly is urging additional support to combat what he says is a nationwide opioid and heroin epidemic.
Indiana’s Democratic Senator wrote a letter to the Senate’s Appropriations Committee, and several subcommittees with the goal of combating the problem in the 2016 fiscal year budget.
State Sen. Arnold Supporting Tougher Regulations for E-Cigarette Liquids
The liquid used in e-cigarettes could be regulated under legislation being sponsored by State Senator Jim Arnold.
House Bill 1432 would clarify the liquid used in vapor pens as intended to be inhaled. If the bill is signed into law, manufacturers of the liquid would be required to obtain a proper permit. That permit would cover a period of five years.
Local Chamber Businesses Against Indiana Religious Freedom Bill
The local business community is chiming in on an issue that has garnered national attention.
A survey was conducted by the Starke County Chamber of Commerce about the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The bill was signed into law earlier this year by Governor Mike Pence.
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Charbonneau Sponsored Right to Try Bill Signed Into Law
A new law in Indiana is considered the right step by an area state Senator.
Ed Charbonneau sponsored the “Right to Try” bill that allows terminally ill medical patients to bypass the FDA’s compassionate use application process. It was signed into law on Tuesday by Governor Mike Pence after convincing approval in the General Assembly.
Charbonneau Sponsors Bill To Aid Terminally Ill Patients
An area state Senator wants to give terminally ill patients more options with their healthcare.
State Senator Ed Charbonneau is a sponsor of the Indiana Right to Try Act. It would give those patients access to medicines that have passed Phase 1 of the FDA approval process, but aren’t quite on pharmacy shelves.
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Starke County Represented At State Township Meeting Amid Legislative Concerns
It was a good gathering, but there should be more involvement.
Those are the thoughts of Oregon Township Trustee Mark Allen. He attended the annual Indiana Township Association meeting in Indianapolis over the last several days.
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Indiana Failing To Make The Grade On Tobacco Control
The American Lung Association says the state of Indiana needs to do more to enact tobacco control policies.
The “State of Tobacco Control 2015” report evaluates tobacco control policies at the state and federal level. It says Indiana failed to enact any policies that the American Lung Association believes will save lives. That led the state to receive a failing grade in tobacco prevention, taxes, and access to tobacco cessation services.
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Indiana House Makes Another Attempt To Dissolve Township Government
Starke County Townships could be affected if another attempt to transfer their duties to the county level is successful.
House Bill 1309 was recently filed and looks to dissolve township governments. The transition would take place by 2019. Starke County has nine townships with hundreds more in the state of Indiana.
