President Pro Tem David C. Long today appointed Sen. Jim Tomes (R-Wadesville) to serve on three significant Senate committees during his first legislative session – Agriculture and Natural Resources; Corrections Criminal and Civil Matters; and Utilities and Technology.
Long (R-Fort Wayne) said Tomes will also serve on the Corrections and Criminal Subcommittee.
Lawmakers formally organized for the 2011 legislative session on Nov. 16. They will reconvene on Jan. 5.
“Senator Jim Tomes is well-rounded and a great fit for his assigned committees,” Long said. “He comes from a farming community and takes an interest in the access and affordability of Indiana’s utilities. As a founder and now director of the 2nd Amendment Patriots, Senator Tomes closely monitors gun licensing legislation and personal protection issues, providing him with a deep understanding and thorough knowledge to share on these subjects.”
Long said Senate leaders worked once again in bipartisan fashion to “combine lawmakers’ talents and passions” to help Indiana move forward on a variety of key issues, including passing a balanced budget, avoiding tax hikes, promoting economic development and job creation, improving education and developing a fair redistricting plan for legislative and congressional districts.
Introduced legislation often impacts various policy matters of state government, Long said. However, he offered snapshots of what issues Tomes’ committees generally address each legislative session:
Agriculture & Natural Resources: Reviews legislation involving Indiana’s livestock and farming operations, including the regulation, production and distribution of agricultural products, soil conservation, the state fair, and other related agricultural matters. The committee also handles a wide range of bills relating to Indiana’s wildlife and fisheries, regulation of invasive species, parks, trails and public lands, mining, water resources development and irrigation, forestry, environmental protection, energy conservation, quarantine issues, trespass laws and waste disposal.
Corrections, Civil & Criminal Matters: Examines bills relating to Indiana’s prisons and jails, civil and criminal law, procedures for handgun licensing and other related issues.
Utilities & Technology: Considers policies related to Indiana’s broad range of utilities, and ensuring that vital electric, water and wastewater, natural gas and communications utilities are adequate and accessible to Hoosiers statewide, as well as focuses on issues such as aging infrastructure and access to broadband.
