Indiana Chamber names Sullivan a ‘Legislative Champion’

STATEHOUSE (June 16, 2017) — State Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) has been named as one of five 2017 Indiana Chamber Legislative Champions for her work as a co-author on House Enrolled Act 1004, which provided for the expansion of pre-K education. The award is given to individuals in the legislature who take on tough tasks and work diligently to see much-needed policies across the finish line.

The Chamber recognized her passionate advocacy for the passage of the expansion of Indiana’s pre-K program and noted, “Though not even a member of the governing committee, Sullivan worked hard all session for the measure, which will make a real difference for at-risk students in her district and around the state.”

“I was especially honored to be acknowledged for my work on a bill that I was very passionate about,” Sullivan said. “As a parent of school-aged children, I fully understand how important high-quality early childhood education opportunities are to a child’s future. I also believe that better equipping our youth will provide a huge benefit to the entire state in the future through a better prepared workforce and a reduction in the need for state services.”

Sullivan also earned a 100 percent on the Indiana Chamber of Commerce’s annual Legislative Vote Analysis for her support of pro-jobs, pro-economy legislation.

Sullivan’s score is based on her performance during the 2017 session of the Indiana General Assembly and her votes cast in agreement with the chamber’s position on certain bills, including measures on long-term road funding, ISTEP replacement and pre-K.

“We want employers and citizens to take note of this report because it makes it very clear which legislators were supportive of bettering Indiana’s economic climate and which were not,” said Indiana Chamber President and CEO Kevin Brinegar.

According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Indiana’s statewide unemployment rate as of April stood at 3.6 percent, which is lower than the national average of 4.4 percent. U.S. News and World Report ranked Indiana as the best-run state in America based on fiscal responsibility, streamlined operations, improved services and enhanced transparency.

“Putting more Hoosiers to work and keeping unemployment numbers down is always a goal of mine,” Sullivan said. “Making sure our workforce is prepared for available jobs is another way to make sure Indiana’s economy remains healthy and vibrant.”

Sullivan, a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, received a four-year aggregate score of 94 percent.