Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) today announced the appointment of State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso) as a member on the Health Finance Commission.
Charbonneau will also serve as the vice-chairman of the Lake Michigan Marina and Shoreline Development Commission and a member of four other panels — the Illiana Expressway Proposal Review Committee, Water Resources Study Committee, Environmental Adjudication Director Selection Panel and the Environmental Quality Service Council and Compliance Advisory Panel.
“It’s a great honor to be appointed to the Health Finance Commission,” Charbonneau said. “We will study several important issues, including paramedic licensure, prescription drug regulations and tobacco use policies.”
Each summer and fall — when Indiana’s part-time legislature is not in session — lawmakers are assigned to interim study committees that meet to review the state’s top issues, as identified by the General Assembly during the prior legislative session.
“Study committees are an integral part of Indiana’s legislative process,” Long said. “Many of the topics examined by lawmakers during this time lay the groundwork for legislation that will come before the General Assembly in the upcoming session.”
Charbonneau added he expects some proposals generated for the 2013 session will focus on:
- Ensuring Indiana continues its record of balanced budgets and living within the state’s means.
- Reviewing state taxes and regulations to make sure they are encouraging job creation.
- Making sure public education gives every student the opportunity for college and career success.
Study committee topics are assigned by the Legislative Council, comprised of 16 voting members — eight from the House of Representatives and eight from the Senate.
The full list of interim appointments for Senate Majority Caucus members can be found by visiting in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans and clicking the “Republican Members” tab.