Tackling Important Issues This Legislative Session
by State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) represents House District 78
 The Indiana General Assembly recently kicked off the 2022 legislative session, ready to tackle important issues impacting our communities.
I’m authoring several proposals for new laws this session, including legislation to encourage in-state college graduates to stay in Indiana when securing their first job. A 2019 study by the Senate Joint Economic Committee ranks Indiana among the worst states at retaining highly educated workers, suggesting our state suffers from a net loss of almost 11% of all highly educated adults.
To combat this “brain drain,” I’m proposing a state income tax reduction for recent in-state college graduates and those who earn a high-value job certificate. This incentive could encourage more Hoosiers to apply for jobs close to home instead of leaving the state for employment. The tax reduction would be for two to four years, depending on the type of degree, and would be capped at $50,000 of their income. Indiana’s employers need highly educated workers and this proposal would help address our labor shortage.
Another bill I’m authoring would require all governing bodies in Indiana to allow time for oral public comments at public meetings. This has become an issue at some school board meetings throughout Indiana as they recently shut down any public comment time. Hoosiers deserve their voices to be heard, especially when it comes to their children’s education.
I’m also proposing free in-state college tuition for children or spouses of veterans who were disabled in duty after 2011. Previously, the percentage of tuition reduction was tied to the severity of the disability.
I believe a lifetime fishing license should be offered to residents of our great state and I’ll be authoring legislation to make this a reality. This would help promote outdoor activities and reduce the hassle of renewing a fishing license every year.
I look forward to representing the people of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties at the Statehouse this session, and I encourage you to reach out to me at h78@iga.in.gov or 317-232-9815 with any questions or comments.
FOOTNOTE: State Rep. Tim O’Brien (R-Evansville) represents House District 78,
which includes portions of Vanderburgh and Warrick counties.
