Indiana House of Representatives: 2005 - Present
House District 78: Spencer, Vanderburgh & Warrick Counties
Address: 12345 Browning Road, Evansville, IN 47725Telephone: Statehouse: (800) 382-9841
Email: H78@in.gov
Education: B.S., Purdue University; Continuing Education in Accounting, University of Southern Indiana; Mater Dei High School
Committees:Current
Past
Representative Suzanne Crouch began her public service as Vanderburgh County Auditor in 1994. While serving two terms as Auditor, she established a reputation for being dedicated to the citizens of Vanderburgh County. She fought for government efficiency, responsiveness, accountability and accessibility. She worked to educate taxpayers about their rights and succeeded in helping to relieve the tax burden for the people of her community. As Auditor, her office received, for the first time in recent memory, a clean bill of health every year from the State Board of Accounts. As Vanderburgh County Auditor, Suzanne eliminated through attrition, three positions in the Auditor’s office saving the taxpayers $100,000 a year.
In 2002, Suzanne was elected to the Vanderburgh County Board of Commissioners and served as President. As Commissioner, she has worked with neighboring commissioners in a spirit of unity to find ways to come together for the economic benefit of the entire region. She also made government more accessible to the people by televising weekly Commission meetings and by holding public hearings to seek the public’s input on important issues. Maintaining and expanding the county’s infrastructure, promoting economic development and improving the quality of life have been top priorities for Suzanne as a public official. While serving as president, the Commissioners applied and received federal transportation dollars for a local road project. This federal money freed up precious tax dollars for other needed projects.
In 2005, the seat for the Indiana House of Representatives, District 78 became vacant. With District 78’s House seat empty for the first time in 24 years, Suzanne was ready to take the next step in her political career. She was elected to fill the position in a caucus by precinct committeemen.
In the 2006 legislative session, Rep. Crouch co-authored Major Moves legislation. The revenue from Major Moves funds over $212 million in road projects for Representative Crouch’s District 78. In addition, Major Moves allows for the funding of the I-69 extension from Evansville to Indianapolis. With construction beginning in Southern Indiana in 2008, the I-69 extension will promote further economic growth and job creation in southwestern Indiana.
In the 2007 legislative session, Suzanne was committed to putting Hoosier taxpayers first. She spent much of the legislative session working on Senate Enrolled Act 287, which extends the assessment appeal deadline and increases the over 65 and veterans exemption to help Hoosier taxpayers. Suzanne has committed to continue the fight for comprehensive, long-term property tax reform for all Hoosiers.
In the 2008 legislative session, Rep. Crouch continued her fight for property tax reform and holding the line on government spending by voting for HB 1001, the property tax reform bill.
Outside of government, Suzanne has prior work experience as a stockbroker, a small business owner, Public Television Auction Manager and a realtor.
A graduate of Mater Dei High School in Evansville, Representative Crouch received her Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University, majoring in Political Science. Her husband of 30 years, Larry Downs is a partner with Kahn Dees Donovan and Kahn law firm. They have an adult daughter and reside on the north side of Evansville.
