INDIANAPOLIS- The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) recently met to outline their 2013 legislative agenda. The IBLC, chaired by State Senator Lonnie Randolph (D-East Chicago), plans to advocate for initiatives that impact all Hoosiers, specifically children's issues, economic development, K-12 education and preschool, higher education, health care, and criminal justice. "These are areas of concern not only affect IBLC constituents but all Hoosiers," said Sen. Randolph.

"Many of the issues we work to promote like fairness in the workplace, small business development, and equal educational opportunities transcend our community," continued Randolph. "That's why members of the IBLC are looking forward to working with other legislators to positively impact these areas of public policy."

Sen. Earline Rogers (D-Gary) outlined the IBLC's goals to reinforce Indiana's education system through kindergarten and preschool funding initiatives. The group also hopes to examine high school retention and graduation rates to strengthen communities and build Indiana's workforce.

"Education is the cornerstone upon which we build so much of our state," Sen. Rogers said. "Early learning and literacy through workforce training and higher education are how we best prepare Hoosiers to contribute to their communities."

The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus was established in 1979 in an effort to focus the legislative initiatives of the Indiana General Assembly's African-American legislators. Since its creation, the IBLC has worked to promote their mission through bi-partisan events, educational symposiums and job fairs.

Additional new IBLC leadership for the 118^th General Assembly include Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) as Vice-Chairman, Sen. Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) as Treasurer/Secretary and Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) as Chaplain.

NOTE: Photos from the IBLC press conference can be downloaded here:

http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/images/Rogers_1.jpg

http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/images/Rogers_2.jpg

http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/images/Group3.jpg

http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/images/Randolph2.jpg

http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_democrats/images/Randolph_1.jpg

For more information on the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus or their agenda, visit http://www.senatedemocrats.in.gov/.

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