FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sen. Charbonneau earns high marks as
“pro-job growth” by Indiana Chamber
(STATEHOUSE) – State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso) earned high marks in the annual report card issued by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The statewide organization credited the first-term senator for supporting job growth and economic development in the state.
Charbonneau’s grade ranks him highest among regional lawmakers this year with a 76 percent pro-job growth voting record. According to the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Charbonneau’s high score reflects his support of pro-job growth issues.
Votes on at least 20 key bills on topics involving property taxes, public safety, education and the environment determined Charbonneau’s high score. Charbonneau supported in committee and on the Senate floor several new laws supported by the Indiana Chamber.
One such law, Senate Enrolled Act 22, allows the Indiana Department of Education to grant teaching licenses to highly qualified Hoosier professionals with post-graduate degrees and teaching experience. This law addresses Indiana’s shortage of qualified teacher in critical areas like math and science – a move the Indiana Chamber believes will help maintain and enhance Indiana’s economic competitiveness.
Another law cited by the organization, SEA 45, protects fresh water resources of the Great Lakes, preserving its use from diversions prohibited by the multi-state Great Lakes Water Resources Compact.
Charbonneau said although lawmakers made progress in 2008 toward moving the state forward economically, much work remains to keep Indiana’s unemployment rate the lowest in the Midwest by maintaining jobs and attracting new investments.
“Job creation and economic development continues to be a top priority for me and the Indiana Senate,” Charbonneau said. “In the upcoming session, I will remain dedicated to protecting and maintaining high-paying jobs in Indiana in order to make our state a better place to live and raise a family.”
Sen. Charbonneau represents Senate District 5, which includes Starke County and portions of Porter, La Porte, Marshall, Jasper, Pulaski, and St. Joseph counties.
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