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2017 session: Looking ahead for the next generation

State Representative Jack Jordan (R-Bremen)

The 2017 legislative session began at the start of the New Year, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Marshall and Fulton counties as your new state representative. Among my top priorities is to keep you updated on issues that matter to our community.

This session, I am joining fellow legislators in crafting the state’s next two-year budget, which will fund critical government services like infrastructure and education. By advocating sound fiscal policies, we will work to maintain Indiana’s AAA credit rating and prudent reserves.

It is important to restore and maintain Indiana’s roads and bridges for the next generation. As many of you may be aware, the average Hoosier spends nearly $500 per year on vehicle repairs due to poor road conditions. Over the next 20 years, Indiana needs on average more than an additional $1 billion each year to improve and maintain our critical infrastructure. I will be working hard to identify and support the most responsible, comprehensive and sustainable plan to accomplish the needed improvements.

Another critical area of work is to strengthen our commitment to students and educators by focusing on two important issues. The first is getting more dollars into the classroom and the second is to improve testing. It is essential that Hoosier resources are used judiciously to ensure every student is receiving a high-quality education to maximize their amazing God-given potential.

We will be looking at responsible options to replace the repealed ISTEP exam with an efficient new assessment tool that is shorter, less expensive and has faster grading turnaround time. Our students, parents, teachers and taxpayers deserve no less.

I am looking forward to working diligently in this session to represent you to the best of my ability. I respectfully ask that you provide your feedback on these and other important issues that will be addressed this session. You can provide feedback in several ways.

There was a 2017 legislative survey, which was mailed and can be filled out online at www.in.gov/h17. You can also share your thoughts with me by email at h17@iga.in.gov or by phone at 317-232-9613. To stay up-to-date with what I’m working on at the Statehouse, sign up to begin receiving my e-newsletter at www.in.gov/h17.

SOURCE: Guest column from Indiana State Rep Jack Jordan (R-Bremen)

State Rep. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) represents House District 17, which includes all of Marshall County and a large portion of Fulton County.

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