by State Representative Stephen Bartels District 74
Passing a new law can be a slow process at times. It can take months to enact legislation. Still, there are times when lawmakers need to act quickly to respond to the needs of constituents. On July 25, I will return to the Statehouse for a special session to take action on two important issues, rising inflation and the sanctity of life, both of which require immediate attention.
Due to failed policies at the national level, every day it becomes more difficult for Hoosiers to feed their families. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, food prices jumped 11 percent in one month alone from May to April. To help fight record-high inflation, I plan to join my fellow legislators in crafting a long-term sustainable policy to return more money to taxpayers.
After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, the issue of abortion was rightfully returned to the states to decide, and I’m ready to take action and further strengthen protections for our most vulnerable. I believe any legislation should be combined with increased resources for mothers before, during, and after pregnancy. I support legislation to provide more than $20 million in tax relief and appropriate more than $58 million to boost proven programs for mothers and families. My goals are to help more mothers in crisis, increase the availability and affordability of child care, support community-based programs focused on healthy babies and families, and encourage more people to consider adoption.
I believe we are doing what’s right by not waiting until the 2023 session to address these issues. Estimates show that thousands of additional abortions would occur in the state if the General Assembly waits until January to protect life further.
Updates will be posted to the Indiana General Assembly’s website at iga.in.gov. Please consider signing up for my e-newsletter for additional legislative updates, which you can sign up for at in.gov/h74.
During the special session, we plan to proceed thoughtfully and intentionally. I will rely on feedback from Hoosiers in House District 74 to guide me through this process. I encourage you to share your thoughts on any other issues important to you and your family by calling 317-232-9863 or h74@iga.in.gov.
