STATEHOUSE (Nov. 20, 2012) — State Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) gathered with fellow legislators today at the Statehouse for Organization Day — the ceremonial start of the 118th 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. Kenley will play an integral role in that process, as he leads the State Budget Committee and has again been appointed chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.  By law, the 2013 legislative session must be completed no later than April 29.

“Lawmakers have worked hard in recent years to put our fiscal house in order, and we must continue down that path in 2013,” Kenley said. “This means legislators should err on the side of taxpayers and ensure our state lives within its means. We want to continue to stimulate job growth while, at the same time, guarding against future economic instability.”

Kenley said his Senate priorities for the 2013 session include:

• Continuing fiscal responsibility
• Building on Indiana’s low-tax, job-friendly environment
• Improving education by promoting teacher success, school choice for students and parents, college and vocational training
• Responding to Obamacare
  
In addition to his reappointment as Appropriations chairman, Kenley will serve as a member of the following committees in 2013 and 2014:

• Education and Career Development
• Tax and Fiscal Policy

As the 2013 session gets under way, Kenley encourages Senate District 20 residents to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Kenley can be reached via email at Senator.Kenley@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.

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