Auburn legislator appointed to Education, Utilities committees

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 20, 2012) — State Sen. Dennis Kruse (R-Auburn) gathered with fellow legislators today at the Statehouse for Organization Day — the ceremonial start of the 118^th Indiana General Assembly’s budget session.

Organization Day is marked by the swearing in of new General Assembly members as well as the annual first roll call of all state lawmakers. This day also provides each House and Senate caucus with the opportunity to organize before session officially begins on Jan. 7.

The 2013 session is a budget year, meaning lawmakers will draft a comprehensive proposal to fund government services for the next two years. By law, the 2013 legislative session must be completed no later than April 29.

“I look forward to working with legislators from both sides of the aisle this session,” Kruse said. “If we are to create a budget that represents Indiana as a whole, we must hear all perspectives on our financial situation and take them into account. This will allow our state to best serve its communities.”

Kruse said other Senate priorities for the 2013 session include:

• Protecting Hoosier children through improving Indiana’s Department of Child Services
• Building on Indiana’s low-tax, job-friendly environment
• Reforming Indiana’s criminal penalties

Additionally, Kruse has been appointed as chairman of the Senate Education and Career Development committee and ranking member of the Utilities Committee. He will also serve as a member of the following committees in 2013 and 2014:

• Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee
• Pensions and Labor Committee
• Rules and Legislative Procedure Committee

As the 2013 session gets under way, Kruse encourages Senate District 14 residents to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Kruse can be reached via email at Senator.Kruse@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.