Representative Woody Burton has been a key player in promoting positive change for the state of Indiana since joining the State Legislature in 1988. 

One of Rep. Burton’s legislative priorities has been to permanently repeal property taxes in Indiana.  For more than three years, Rep. Burton has been working closely with economic experts and the Legislative Services Agency to come up with a proposal that would permanently and constitutionally repeal property taxes in the state.

The repeal legislation did not pass the General Assembly in the 2007 legislative session, but Rep. Burton is planning on reintroducing the legislation in the 2008 legislative session and has vowed to carry the legislation for as long as it takes for it to become a reality. 

In the 2007 legislative session, Rep. Burton co-authored House Enrolled Act 1753, requiring the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority to establish a program to provide free mortgage foreclosure counseling and education to homeowners who have defaulted on or are in danger of defaulting on the mortgages on their homes.  The act will provide foreclosure prevention counseling with trained counselors and teachers.  In addition, the program includes a central toll-free telephone number that homeowners could call for advice and counseling regarding foreclosure. 

During the 2006 legislative session, Rep. Burton authored legislation to create the “In God We Trust” state license plate.  The license plate is offered as an alternative to the current state license plate and viewed as an option to the consumer.  It may be acquired at no extra charge upon the consumer’s request.

Rep. Burton currently serves on three standing House Committees.  He serves as the Ranking Minority Member of the Financial Institutions Committee, and he additionally serves on the Elections and Apportionment Committee and the Insurance Committee. 

Rep. Burton graduated from Reppert School of Auctioneering.  He holds the titles of Graduate Realtor, Certified Residential Broker, and Certified Residential Specialist.  He and his wife, Volly, have worked together in the Real Estate business as brokers since 1969.  They currently work for Carpenter Realtors in Greenwood. 

Staying involved in the community is very important to Rep. Burton as well.  He is a member of the Greenwood and Franklin Chambers of Commerce, the National Association of Realtors, as well as the Indianapolis Board of Realtors.  In addition, Rep. Burton remains involved in the Masonic Lodge, Murat and Franklin Shrines, and Scottish Rite, 33rd degree.  He and Volly are active members of Greenwood Christian Church, as well.

Woody and Volly have been married for 25 years and have three children, Jeff, April, and Woody.  The couple has six grandchildren.

The legislative branch of government is a family affair for the Burton’s.  His brother, Dan Burton, serves as the U.S. Representative for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District.