Rep. Terri Austin to serve on five committees this summer

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Terri Austin (D-Anderson) today announced that she has been selected to serve on five interim study committees in preparation for the 2021 Legislative Session.

The interim committees explore a range of legislative topics. At the hearings, members listen to the testimony of experts and the general public. During the legislative session, permanent committees in both chambers often consider bills based upon the interim committees’ findings.

“It's always a privilege to have a seat at the table during discussions about how we as legislators can make Indiana a better place to live and raise a family,” Austin said. “There won’t be a shortage of issues to take a closer look at this year, and I intend on advocating for my constituents every step of the way.”

This summer, Austin will serve on the Legislative Council, its Space Utilization subcommittee, the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee, the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission and the Public Policy Committee.

“In Public Health, I look forward to talking through changes on the restrictions of out-of-state occupational licenses in Indiana,” Austin continued. “This could have significant impacts on Hoosier employment in the coming years.

“The Behavioral Health Commission will also be interesting as we assess our state's smoking laws and dive deeper into Indiana's Medicaid policy. The OB Navigators program, which connects pregnant women with critical prenatal services, will be under discussion, as well. Access to these services has only become more important as we look at our dismal infant and maternal mortality numbers in Indiana.

“We certainly have our work cut out for us this summer and I’m ready to get started.”