Fort Wayne legislator appointed to Homeland Security, Local Government committees

STATEHOUSE (Nov. 20, 2012) — State Sen. Tom Wyss (R-Fort Wayne) 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.

“Our top priority this session is creating a balanced budget that provides service to all Hoosiers,” Wyss said. “Indiana is an economic leader in the Midwest, but without a responsible fiscal plan, we could be at risk of losing this position. I will continue to push for responsible spending this session.”

Wyss said other Senate priorities for the 2013 session include:

• Protecting Hoosier children through improving Indiana’s Department of Child Services
• Improving education through promoting early childhood education and vocational training
• Building on Indiana’s low-tax, job-friendly environment

Additionally, Wyss has been appointed as chairman of the Senate Homeland Security, Transportation and Veterans Affairs Committee and will serve as a member of the following committees in 2013 and 2014:

• Appropriations Committee
• Local Government Committee
• Rules and Legislative Procedure Committee

As the 2013 session gets under way, Wyss encourages Senate District 15 residents to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Wyss can be reached via email at Senator.Wyss@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.