STATEHOUSE (July 27, 2010) – Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) today appointed State Sen. Sue Landske (R-Cedar Lake) as a member of the Census Data Advisory Committee.

Long also tapped Landske to serve as a member of the County Redistricting Commission, Interstate Rail Passenger Advisory Council, Illiana Expressway Proposal Review Committee and Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact Commission.

During summer and fall months when the legislature is not in session full time, 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, Long said.

Long said the Census Data Advisory Committee will research ways to ensure the state’s redistricting process is fair and accurate for the 2011 redistricting and explore the best practices of other states and the option of establishing an independent commission to draw district boundaries in the future.

“Senator Landske brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to these important commissions and committees,” Long said. “Her lifetime of experience coupled with her commitment to helping solve problems facing our state make her uniquely qualified to help lead this charge.”

Landske said she will also closely watch developments of other key study committees, review their recommendations and seek public input before the Indiana General Assembly reconvenes in January of 2011:

• Interim Study Committee on Economic Development: Will study economic development tools and evaluate how Indiana’s tax laws can encourage business investment and job creation. Members will also review best practices in state and local economic development policies and study the use and effectiveness of tax credits and deductions.
• Interim Study Committee on the 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 to address students living in poverty, needing special education and lacking English-speaking skills.
• Health Finance Commission: Will evaluate impacts of Obamacare on Indiana. Members will also study the prevalence of brain injuries and the availability and costs of brain injury treatment.
• Unemployment Insurance Oversight Committee: Will study the costs of linking unemployment benefits to average weekly pay and cost of living increases, as well as adjusting the wage base on which employers must pay unemployment insurance premiums.
• Criminal Law and Sentencing Policy Study Committee: Will examine if methamphetamine ingredients ephedrine and pseudoephedrine should be classified as controlled substances, the effectiveness of tracking the sales of these substances and the cost of cleaning contaminated properties where methamphetamines were manufactured. Lawmakers will review policies regarding “sexting” – sending sexually suggestive material over the Internet, cellular phones and other devices by minors – and study ways to reduce prison costs, stop repeat offenders and improve public safety.
• Interim Study Committee on Driver Education: Will review instructional standards of Internet-based and classroom programs and compare moving-violation and crash statistics among teen drivers from both learning models.
• Interim Study Committee on Gaming: Will study the new requirements for Hoosier-owned, sired and bred horses participating in Indiana races. Committee will also review the distribution of money between horse owners and race tracks.

More information about committee topics, schedules and agendas will be available online at www.in.gov/legislative/interim.
                       
Sen. Landske represents Senate District 6, which includes Benton, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.