State Rep. Sheila Klinker appointed to 2014 legislative interim study committees

INDIANAPOLIS – Legislative leaders have named State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D-Lafayette) as a member of three study committees that will meet during the coming months.

Klinker will continue to serve on the State Budget Committee as well as assume duties on the Interim Study Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs and the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations.

“Interim study committees are of immense value to the Indiana General Assembly,” said Klinker. “Committee members have the opportunity to hear the testimony of experts and receive input from citizens on issues that will likely be considered by the Indiana House and Senate when the legislature convenes for the 2015 session. The bipartisan groundwork enables the legislators to obtain greater understanding of the impact of proposed legislation and its potential effects on the state. Data and analysis of proposed bills are critical to crafting effective legislation that will positively impact Hoosiers.

“I feel privileged to serve on the Interim Study Committee on Military Affairs & Public Safety,” continued Klinker. “One of my brothers is a Navy veteran from World War II and another brother flew more than 300 combat missions over Vietnam as a Marine pilot. He retired as a lieutenant colonel after a distinguished career. All of us should feel indebted to the heroes who serve our country while putting their lives in danger for our freedoms. It is an honor to serve Indiana’s veterans.”

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 considerable study and review before the funds are allocated. Two Democratic representatives, two Republican representatives, two Democratic senators, and two Republican senators all serve on the committee.

The Interim Study Committee on Public Safety & Military Affairs will explore how to improve health benefits and needed services to veterans and their beneficiaries.The Indiana Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations 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.