Rep. Klinker appointed to Legislative Study Committees

INDIANAPOLIS–Legislative leaders named State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) to five committees that will meet and consider a variety of legislative subjects during the coming months.

Klinker will continue to serve on the State Budget Committee as well as be a member of the Interim Study Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs, the Indiana Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (IACIR), the Indiana Commission on Women, and the State Fair Advisory Committee.

“Interim study committees have a significant impact on future legislative initiatives,” explained Klinker. “The committee members examine specific issues, and then report their findings to the Indiana General Assembly. The conclusions of the bipartisan committees are of tremendous value to legislators as they consider bills on issues that come before the full House and Senate.

“In particular, I am honored to again serve on the Interim Study Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs,” added Klinker. “My oldest brother is a Navy veteran who served in World War II. Another brother was a Marine pilot who flew more than 300 combat missions over Vietnam. We, as Americans, owe an infinite debt of gratitude to our country’s veterans for endangering their lives to protect our country and the freedoms we enjoy. I am pleased to be able to sponsor legislation that will benefit Hoosier veterans for continuing their education or being chosen first for jobs.”

The State Budget Committee provides legislative oversight of the state budget’s implementation. The committee meets during the interim when the General Assembly is not in session. Many of the budget’s appropriations require lengthy study and review before the funds are allocated. Two Democratic representatives, two Republican representatives, two Democratic senators, and two Republican senators serve on the committee.

The Interim Study Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs will examine whether assistance grants from the military family relief fund should be paid directly to vendors on behalf of a qualified service member or his or her dependents. In addition, the committee will discuss the accreditation, duties, standards for certification, and costs of employing district veteran service officers.

The IACIR helps coordinate greater cooperation between local and state governments. It also reviews the effects that state and federal legislation, as well as court decisions, have on local units of government.

The Indiana Commission on Women explores issues affecting the status of women and their families as it seeks to find solutions to the problems Hoosier women may face. The commission’s goals include full participation of women in all aspects of society and the creation of a better, more positive environment in Indiana for women to work, live and raise families.

The Indiana State Fair Advisory Committee serves as a liaison between the State Fairgrounds administrative bodies and the Indiana General Assembly. In addition, the committee reviews State Fair and Fairgrounds policies and offers its advice to State Fairgrounds officials.