Hershman chairs commission on state tax & financing policy

Indiana Senate President Pro-Tem David Long recently appointed Sen. Brandt Hershman to serve on six key interim study committees and commissions.

Long tapped Hershman to chair the Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy and to serve as a member on the Budget Committee, Illiana Expressway Proposal Review Committee, Rail Corridor Safety Committee, School Property Tax Control Board and Unemployment Insurance Oversight Committee.

During summer and fall months when the legislature is not in session fulltime, lawmakers utilize bipartisan interim study committees and commissions to conduct in-depth research into complicated, complex issues facing Hoosiers. Often their work results in solutions and legislation that might otherwise go unaccomplished during the fast pace of the winter and springtime legislative session.

Hershman said he will closely watch developments of all study committees, review the recommendations and seek public input before the Indiana General Assembly reconvenes in January 2010.

The Interim Study Committee on Alcoholic Beverages will review whether grocery, convenience and drug stores should be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages on Sundays which is now prohibited by law. Members will also consider whether these establishments should sell chilled beer, now limited to liquor stores.

The Interim Study Committee on Driver Education will evaluate standards for Internet and classroom driver education courses and review teen-related crash statistics and the impact of effective driver training.

The Interim Study Committee on Education will review gaps that exist in Indiana's adult education programs and evaluate program funding. Members will review early school start dates and academic calendar flexibility as well as after-school programming needs.

The Interim Study Committee on Gaming will conduct the first comprehensive review of Indiana gaming law since 1993. Members will help generate a market analysis on gaming in Indiana to determine viability and profitability in light of gaming in Michigan and Illinois and the potential of gaming in Ohio and Kentucky. Members will also review issues dealing with admission taxes for riverboats, competition from out of state gaming entities, waivers for gaming tournaments, land-based gaming, non-smoking accommodations and limits on free alcohol in gaming facilities.

The Interim Study Committee on Medicaid Supplement will examine the effects and merits of expanding the Indiana checkup plan to cover additional childless adults through the federal Medicaid waiver or Medicaid state plan amendment.

The Interim Study Committee on Professional Licensing will study all boards that regulate occupations or professions under the Indiana professional licensing agency or the Indiana Department of Health. Members will help determine whether to restructure regulating boards and require national certification or registration of licensees.

The Interim Study Committee on School Funding Formula will conduct a comprehensive review of how the state distributes education dollars to rural, suburban and urban school corporations. Members will examine funding needed to address students living in poverty, having special education needs and lacking English-speaking skills.

McClain appointed to study commissions

State Rep. Rich McClain (R-Logansport) has been appointed to serve on the Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs and the Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs during the 2009 interim.

The Commission on Military and Veterans Affairs focuses on aiding Hoosier veterans and qualified family members or survivors who are eligible for benefits or advantages provided by the state and federal governments.

"Indiana owes a great debt to its veterans, past and present, for their personal sacrifices and dedicated service," said Rep. McClain. "The commission works to help those veterans in any way we can, because there is no greater honor than to serve those who have given so much."

The Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs studies matters affecting Hispanic Hoosiers by conducting research, proposing programs and discussing current or future legislation.

"The commission's goal is to connect the diverse Latino communities across Indiana by serving as a hub of information and provide community support for Hoosier Hispanics," Rep. McClain said.