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.

STATEHOUSE (July 22, 2010) – State Sen. Sue Landske (R-Cedar Lake) and fellow members of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission Advisory Board (EAC) recently examined how to increase state and national turnout at the polls, improve voting technology and implement federal election standards.

“This provided a good opportunity for me to learn how to improve the election process and increase voter interest and involvement in Indiana,” Landske said. “While attending this EAC June meeting, I listened and gathered information about the latest types of voting equipment other states are using, and if voters and poll workers can easily operate the machinery. We also examined ways to help educate future election administrators, so that they can be prepared to run elections smoothly and discussed a grant program providing funds to help pay for student mock elections in high schools throughout the country.”

As chairman of the Indiana Senate Committee on Elections, Landske in 2009 was tapped by the National Conference of State Legislatures to serve on the EAC. Her expertise in elections recently led Indiana Senate leaders to appoint her to the bipartisan Census Data Advisory Committee where she will be working to ensure the state’s 2011 redistricting process is fair and accurate, studying the best practices of other states and the exploring the option of establishing an independent commission to draw district boundaries in the future.

While serving on the board of advisors for the EAC – a bipartisan commission – Landske is tasked with helping states meet provisions of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), a federal mandate passed in 2002 containing sweeping reforms to the nation’s voting process. Landske said following the 2000 elections, HAVA was created to address improvements to state and national voting systems.

She said duties of the EAC include establishing the first national voting system certification program.

“Members of this national panel work to create testing standards for voting equipment to ensure functionality, accessibility and security so that when constituents cast their ballots, they can easily use the equipment, feel certain their votes are counted and the process is trustworthy,” Landske said. “By certifying equipment, we can increase voter confidence, and as a result, we hope to improve turnout at the polls.”

Landske said the EAC reviewed voter educational materials, registration databases, provisional balloting and registration forms. EAC also serves as a national clearinghouse of information about election administration.

She encouraged local officials and constituents to contact her with any ideas or concerns about the states voting procedures. Call toll-free 1-800-382-9467 or e-mail her at Senator.Landske@iga.in.gov.

Sen. Landske represents Senate District 6, which includes Benton, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.

STATEHOUSE (June 21, 2010) – Soon, Hoosiers can expect to hear a steady barrage of crackles, pops and booms as Fourth of July celebrations near.

State Sen. Sue Landske (R-Cedar Lake) said while the nation’s birthday is a time to enjoy family, friends and fireworks, safety and responsibility shouldn’t be left out.

“While fireworks can be captivating and fun, parents and children need to be aware of firework safety, what types of fireworks are legal and when it is appropriate to set them off,” Landske said. “It’s also important to understand state laws and your community’s ordinances that regulate the use of fireworks.”

Last year, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) reported 116 firework-related injuries and more than half of those involved children and adolescents. Firecrackers, rockets and sparklers caused more than half of the injuries.

Landske said to help Hoosiers use fireworks and avoid injury, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the ISDH offer answers to frequently asked questions:

How can I use fireworks more safely?

• Never let young children handle, play with or light any fireworks – use glow sticks as a safer alternative;
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children;
• Use a clear, open area and keep your audience a safe distance from the shooting site;
• Do not alter any fireworks device or attempt to make your own fireworks;
• Only light one firework item at a time and never attempt to re-light or fix a “dud” firework; and
• Have a fire extinguisher, water hose or bucket of water nearby.

What firework laws should I be aware of?

• During the five days before and five days after July 4, fireworks can be set off between 5 p.m. and two hours after sunset and between 10 a.m. and midnight on July 4;
• Check with local officials or monitor local media about when you can discharge fireworks, as local ordinances may further restrict usage;
• Only individuals 18 years of age or older may legally purchase fireworks;
• An adult must be present with those under 18 years of age who possess or use fireworks;
• Legal fireworks will be clearly marked with a 1.4G consumer firework label; and
• Fireworks may be discharged only on your property, the property of someone who has granted permission or at designated discharge locations.

Landske said constituents can visit www.in.gov/dhs/3375.htm for more information on firework safety and regulations.
           
Sen. Landske represents Senate District 6, which includes Benton, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.

STATEHOUSE (May 19, 2010) – State Sen. Sue Landske (R-Cedar Lake) is ranked among the state’s most pro-job lawmakers, according to the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber rankings listed Landske tied for second place in the 50-member Senate with her employer-friendly voting pattern. The statewide organization credited the senator for supporting job growth and economic development in the state.

Votes on at least 40 key bills ranging from unemployment insurance and education to local government, transportation and the environment determined the scores. Landske supported in committee and on the Senate floor several new laws advocated by the Indiana Chamber.

Landske was among legislators who pushed for the delay $400 million in new unemployment insurance premiums in 2010. She said avoiding these increases could help Hoosier employers retain or add workers.

Landske and other lawmakers also passed initiatives to help Hoosiers recover from the national recession:

• New Employer Tax Credits will be offered to businesses relocating or incorporating in Indiana.    Qualified businesses must hire 10 or more full-time employees, not including owners;
• Small Business Tax Credits will be expanded to make small employers with fewer than 35 workers eligible for Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) credits;
• Small Business Ombudsman will be an advocate for small employers with state agencies, helping navigate regulations, streamline paperwork and coordinate due dates. Also, the ombudsman will monitor outdated, ineffective and overly burdensome reporting requests and red tape; and
• H.I.R.E. (Helping Indiana Re-start Employment) initiative will offer tax incentives to employers who hire and train unemployed and underemployed Hoosiers.

Another pro-business law Landske supported and was cited by the organization allows schools to claim up to 5 percent of funding normally dedicated to capital projects and use it for instructional purposes. Schools agreeing to pay freezes for staff, excluding those for years of experience and new degrees, can use up to 10 percent.

Landske said by allowing access to these already existing resources, money will be available to help schools prevent teacher layoffs and preserve instructional programs without raising new taxes to do so.

Although lawmakers made progress in 2010 toward moving the state forward, Landske said much work remains to help maintain jobs and attract new investments.

“Economic development and job creation continue to be top priorities for the Indiana Senate and me,” Landske said. “Next session, I will remain focused on helping to protect, maintain and attract high-paying jobs for Hoosiers in order to make Indiana a better place to live and raise a family.”

Sen. Landske represents Senate District 6, which includes Benton, Lake, Newton and Porter counties.