STATEHOUSE (Nov. 20, 2012) — State Sen. Brent Steele (R-Bedford) 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. By law, the 2013 legislative session must be completed no later than April 29.

“Although passing a balanced state budget for the next two years will be the primary focus of this next session, several other important issues will come before the General Assembly,” Steele said. “As we begin to tackle these issues, I encourage all my constituents to share their thoughts with me. As always, my top priority is to make sure your voices are heard at the state level.”

Steele said Senate priorities for the 2013 session include:

•    Continuing fiscal responsibility
•    Building on Indiana’s low-tax, job-friendly environment
•    Reforming Indiana’s criminal penalties
•    Responding to Obamacare
   
Additionally, Steele has been appointed as chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and the Senate Subcommittee on Probate Code & Trusts. He will serve as a member of the following committees in 2013 and 2014:

•    Agriculture & Natural Resources
•    Corrections & Criminal Law
•    Insurance
•    Financial Institutions
•    Ethics
•    Rules & Legislative Procedure

As the 2013 session gets under way, Steele encourages Senate District 44 residents to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Steele can be reached via email at Senator.Steele@iga.in.gov or by phone at 1-800-382-9467.