Governor signs into law two bills authored by Summers

INDIANAPOLIS – Two measures authored by State Representative Vanessa Summers (D-Indianapolis) to create study committees on issues that concern health care and education have been signed into law by Governor Eric Holcomb.

House Bill 1642 creates a committee that will examine how to improve diabetes care in Indiana and how to handle complications associated with diabetes. The group will study the quality of programs currently in place and identify all collaborative efforts to address causes and cures for the disease.

“I am beyond thrilled that our governor has signed this legislation into law,” said Summers. “It is imperative that we find ways to reduce the implications and cases of diabetes in Indiana, since it has skyrocketed into an epidemic with cases increasing by over 50 percent from 2000 to 2009.”

Summers’ second proposal (House Bill 1644) would create a study committee to examine special education instructors’ teaching methods in the classroom.

“This study committee will center around examining applied behavior analysis (ABA), which are intensive therapy techniques and principles that bring about meaningful and positive changes in behavior with children who have autism and other related disorders,” said Summers.

“They will also focus on the need to license individuals who practice applied behavior analysis in the classroom, so the students are getting the best care and education possible.

“It is always a wonderful feeling knowing you can help these students grow and learn in a healthy and productive environment,” she added. “That is why I am thankful for members of the House and Senate who supported this bill as well as the governor.”