INDIANAPOLIS – Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued the following statement on Gov. Braun’s announcement of the new three appointees to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC):

“As a legislator, I serve with intention. On the Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee, I’ve worked to be collaborative, build coalitions and offer an honest perspective to my colleagues and the Braun administration about the energy burden and challenges facing Southwest Indiana.

“As we develop and implement policy, it’s critical that Southwest Indiana has a strong voice at the table. I’m grateful that Bob Deig has been selected to serve on the IURC. His experience, perspective and commitment to advocating for Hoosiers will be a tremendous asset — especially for our region.

“I look forward to the newest members of the IURC keeping affordability at the forefront as decisions are made and policy is carried out.”

According to the administration’s announcement, the commissioners are set to begin work on January 12, 2026.

Shed Some Light! by Jerome Stewart

Proverbs 18 vs. 21 says; “Death and life are in the power of the tongue. And those who love it will eat its fruit.” Here’s a suggestion: Try speaking kind words that are fruitful that edify. Many professed Christians have become misguided in their thinking, because they have allowed the social media platforms, the talk show hosts, and the irresponsible words of those within the political arena, to have more influence on their thinking, than the word of God. 

Hebrews 4 vs. 12 says; “the word of God is living,” and that’s what believers are to rely on for guidance. Matthew 5 vss. 13 and 14 Jesus said to His disciples; “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it then be seasoned? It is good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot of men. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 

John 10 vs. 27 Jesus says; “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” Think about what is at stake for those who understand the necessity of following Jesus to the fullest extent possible. Vs. 28 Jesus says; “And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” 

Think; about the anger on display today fueled by the political discourse. There’s an adage that says; “One should never throw mud because one may miss the mark thrown at, but will always come up with dirty hands.” Jesus said to His disciples; “You are the light of the world.” Has your light become dim? Is it on at all for the cause of Christ? 

As His disciples we can’t say just anything or act just any way. When we follow the Scriptures, we will speak words that edify because the Lord said so. The Apostle Paul encouraged the brethren in Ephesians 4 vss. 29 and 30; “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Think about it!

Vss. 31 and 32 says; “Let all anger and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”  

As to the tongue; James addressed the behavior of the general congregation of believers in chapter 3 vss. 10 and 11 which says; “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so. Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.” 

So the question is this. How are you using your tongue today? Shed some light!