June 15, 2018

Study Committee Topics Announced

Each year during the legislative session, members of the Indiana General Assembly conduct committee hearings, participate in debates and take part in discussions with constituents on a number of topics in order to address important issues facing Indiana.

However, lawmakers may determine that some topics need more information or study before action can be taken. When this is the case, legislators can request that the Legislative Council assign each topic to an interim study committee for further review.

Some of the topics assigned to study committees this year include:

• Reviewing the effectiveness of Indiana’s workforce training programs;
• Studying the current career counseling system in Indiana’s elementary and high schools;
• Creating sexual harassment prevention policies for legislators;
• Exploring the implementation of non-intoxicating industrial hemp as an agricultural product in Indiana; and
• Conducting a multi-year review of all tax incentives.

Study committees are a critical part of the legislative process, and I look forward to a productive summer and fall as we explore the most effective ways to address issues facing the Hoosier state.

To view a list of assigned topics, click here.

$47.4 Million Available for Mental Health Awareness Training

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recently announced up to $47.4 million is available for Mental Health Awareness Training grants.

The purpose of this program is to train individuals to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental disorders and establish relationships with school- and community-based mental health agencies to refer individuals with the signs or symptoms of mental illness to appropriate services.

It also aims to train emergency services personnel, veterans, law enforcement, fire department personnel and others to identify persons with a mental disorder and employ crisis de-escalation techniques, and to educate individuals about resources available in the community for those with a mental disorder.

Click here to learn more about how to apply for the grants.

SAMHSA expects to fund up to 126 grantees with up to $125,000 per year for up to three years.

Indiana Selected for First U.S. Cybertech Midwest Event

Cybertech, one of the world’s largest cybersecurity conferences based in Israel, announced its plans to host the Cybertech Midwest event in Indiana this year.

The conference will kick off Oct. 23 in Indianapolis, and is expected to attract more than 700 attendees.

Click here to learn more about the event.

Golden Hoosier Award Recipients Announced

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Aging recently announced 21 recipients will receive the 2018 Golden Hoosier Award.

The award honors Hoosier senior citizens for their service to Indiana.

Congratulations to Frank Roales from Vincennes for being named one of this year’s Golden Hoosier Award winners.

The award ceremony will take place at the Statehouse Thursday, June 21.

Click here to see the list of Golden Hoosier Award recipients.

Contact My Office
800-382-9467
Senator.Bassler@iga.in.gov