Nov. 22, 2019
Lawmakers Kick Off 2020 Session
Organization Day, which took place Nov. 19, was the ceremonial start of the 2020 legislative session.
This day marks the annual first roll call of all state lawmakers, and it provides each Senate and House of Representatives caucus with the opportunity to gather before session officially reconvenes in January.
Last year, we finalized the new two-year state budget, which means this year is a short session, and by state law, will conclude on or before March 14.
My fellow lawmakers and I will examine and vote on a wide variety of legislative proposals during the upcoming session.
As the 2020 session gets underway, I encourage residents of Senate District 39 to contact me with any questions or comments you may have in regard to the upcoming legislative session. Feel free to contact me by phone at 800-382-9467 or by email at Senator.Bassler@iga.in.gov.
Supporting K-12 Education
This week, Indiana teachers came to the Statehouse to advocate for education issues during the General Assembly’s annual Organization Day. I welcome their important input on these issues and look forward to the conversation continuing as the legislative session reconvenes in January.
We have made education a top priority. In the recently passed two-year state budget, we approved $763 million in new funding for our K-12 schools, with half of every dollar in Indiana’s General Fund budget going to K-12 education. This includes increased funding for Teacher Appreciation Grants that go directly to teachers, as well as new money for school safety initiatives and an increase in the overall base funding level that provides money to all public schools.
Teacher pay is set at the local level, and I’ve been pleased to see that the increase in school funding approved by the General Assembly has helped local school boards’ ability to approve teacher raises in districts across the state.
I will continue to make K-12 education a top priority as we head into the 2020 legislative session. As always, you can contact me by email at Senator.Bassler@iga.in.gov or by phone at 800-382-9467 to share your input on this important issue.
Winter Preparedness
As temperatures drop and the last few leaves fall from the trees, it is important Hoosiers are aware and prepared for the necessary changes that come with cold weather.
During the winter, heating bills can be significantly higher, creating financial difficulties for some families. To help alleviate this financial hardship, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services manages the Energy Assistance Program (EAP).
The EAP is a one-time benefit, helping households that are about to get disconnected. While the EAP doesn’t cover all of your heating and electric costs, it is a great resource to help Hoosiers get through a tough time.
To learn more about the program eligibility and how to apply, click here.
In addition, when the weather drops below 20 degrees, the colder temperature can cause water pipes to freeze, leading to burst pipes and often serious flooding. To avoid this, set the heat in your home above 50 degrees and allow faucets to drip.
The Indiana State Police is also reminding drivers to take safety precautions this winter before traveling on roads with potential snow or ice by checking their brakes and battery, refilling antifreeze and washer fluid, and replacing wiper blades.
Motorists should clear their windows of ice or snow and ensure tires are inflated properly before leaving the driveway. On slippery roads, it’s important to slow down and keep a distance of at least two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you to allow enough time to stop.
For more winter driving tips, click here.
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