Bauer selected to attend Birkholz Institute to develop climate resiliency policy

State Rep. Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) has been selected to attend the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Legislative Caucus' 2023 Birkholz Institute as a fellow. This year's institute will focus on “Climate Resiliency in Great Lakes Communities.”

The Birkholz Institutes bring together a small group of legislators to take a deep dive into an issue on the GLLC's policy agenda and form a task force to lead the Caucus' work to take coordinated regional action on the issue. As a fellow, Bauer will work with other legislators to form regional policy recommendations and work to implement them during the institute's convening in April.

“South Bend and St. Joseph County have experienced several climate disasters in the form of floods over the past few years,” Bauer said. “The City of South Bend is already doing great work to mitigate future flooding, and create a resilient environment. I'm honored to convene with other legislators facing similar issues in their communities and empower municipalities and states to embrace smart, life-saving and damage-reducing climate policy.

“As we come to understand the impact of climate change on the Great Lakes region, we must take steps to increase our resiliency to the climate disasters that will inevitably intensify. I want future generations in South Bend and Michiana to enjoy the same beauty and natural amenities we benefit from today.

“I look forward to working with my regional colleagues on this pressing issue. Thank you to GLLC and the Birkholz Institute for this opportunity to advocate on behalf of South Bend, Indiana and the Great Lakes region.”