Indiana Military Veterans Legislative Day set for Tuesday (Jan. 9)

INDIANAPOLIS- Veterans from across Indiana will be at the Statehouse on Tuesday (January 9) to have the opportunity to speak with lawmakers and other state officials to discuss issues that are important to them.

The Indiana Military Veterans Legislative Day will begin at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday with breakfast, followed by a march along Robert Orr Plaza to the Statehouse led by the Indiana National Guard and band.

After a welcome from event co-hosts State Reps. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis) and Jim Baird (R-Greencastle), Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb will speak to the crowd at 10:30 a.m.

The event will conclude with a lunch, and the opportunity for participants to meet lawmakers and receive updates on legislation affecting veterans that is being considered in the General Assembly.

This is the fourth year that lawmakers have conducted the event, which is specifically geared towards creating an open dialogue between state officials, active-duty military members, and military veterans and families on legislation that is being discussed during session.

“We need to have open communication channels between military members, veterans and the General Assembly,” Rep. Bartlett said. “As lawmakers, we hope to discuss what issues are extremely important to our veterans and their vision for the State of Indiana. Rep. Baird and I are aware of the importance for the state government to show to our veterans and active-duty personnel how we recognize the sacrifices that they and their families have made and are constantly making in the defense of our country, and we owe it to them to ensure their concerns are addressed.

Rep. Baird added, “Our veterans and military members play such an important role in our society and it’s imperative policymakers continuously communicate with them to understand their needs. We organize this event each year to welcome veterans from across Indiana to the Statehouse for a unique opportunity to meet with their state legislators. The face-to-face exchange of ideas is just one more way we can stay informed on issues affecting the military community. I hope to see many fellow veterans from our community at this event.”