
If you are reading this, chances are you have recently received my 2014 legislative survey in the mail. This is something we do each year prior to the start of the legislative session and allows you to express your hopes for the new year. This is important because as your state representative for District 75 I am here to do just that: represent your voice.
Our caucus’ legislative agenda for this session will be announced soon by House Speaker Brian Bosma. He will discuss what we plan to accomplish this year as he alluded to in his Organization Day speech in November. Last year, our primary goals were to maintain Indiana’s fiscal integrity, bridge the skills gap and improve our state’s education system. After such a successful 2013, I think everyone is eager to get back to work and build on all of those accomplishments.
On my survey, I have made a concerted effort to seek your opinions on a wide variety of topics that are likely to be discussed. These are topics that I feel will have a direct impact on our community and state and have very important implications.
These issues include such questions as whether or not pseudoephedrine should be made available only by prescription, whether or not a driver’s license, registration and insurance should be required of people who operate scooters on public roadways as well as whether or not Indiana should allow the carry-out sale of alcohol on Sundays.
The General Assembly will also discuss the marriage amendment and whether the proposed constitutional amendment should be sent to the public as a referendum. The amendment would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman.
This will be an issue in which many people have very strong opinions both for and against it. Because I believe this is such an important matter for our state, I particularly hope that you will reach out to me in regards to your opinion on this issue. Throughout the legislative session, I will always be available and eager to hear your opinions. However, filling out this survey in a timely manner is the best way to ensure that your opinions reach me prior to a vote taking place on any of these issues.
If you would prefer to fill out the survey online, please visit  http://www.in.gov/surveytool/public/survey.php?name=h75_L14_Bacon or visit my website. Please only fill out the survey once, either by mailing it in or by filling it out online. In addition to simply providing a yes or no answer to the questions, there is also a supplemental space in whichyou can further elaborate on your previous responses, or even share your opinions on an issue that was not listed.
My hope is that my mailbox will soon be packed full of survey responses. In my opinion, this is one of the most instrumental elements of the legislative process. I know that we all have many other things which demand our time, but I hope that you will take a few short moments to complete the survey and share your ideas on how to make Indiana the best state possible! Thank you in advance for your participation!