STATEHOUSE (Oct. 7, 2010) – State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) today called on Hoosier parents to make a formal commitment to their children’s academic success and make education a number one priority.

Indiana’s Department of Education (IDOE) this week launched a new website, www.doe.in.gov/parentpledge, where parents can read and sign an online pledge.

Alting said the purpose of the “Parent Pledge” is to celebrate parents, grandparents and other caretakers who are already contributing to student successes while encouraging others to get involved with children’s academic achievements.

“A student’s success relies greatly on the important partnership between parents and educators,” Alting said. “This is one way parents can show teachers that learning will not stop at the end of the school day and they are committed to making education a priority at home.”

Alting said the pledge emphasizes principles like reading every day, completing homework, attending school and cooperating with educators.

Parents can sign the pledge online at www.doe.in.gov/parentpledge or at one of the more than 80 participating schools.

Hoosiers who sign the pledge electronically will receive online resources from IDOE, including helpful learning tips and access to academic experts. To find a list of participating schools, visit www.doe.in.gov/news/documents/PledgeSchools.pdf.

Sen. Alting represents Senate District 22, which includes a portion of Tippecanoe County.

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STATEHOUSE (Oct. 8, 2010) – Indiana is among states expected to see revenues grow during the current fiscal year, according to a new survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The survey results are welcomed news, but the lingering effects of the national recession on state revenues will still present substantial challenges as lawmakers go about crafting a balanced budget next year.

Forty states expect tax revenues to increase during the current fiscal year, legislative fiscal directors forecast in the NCSL report. In Indiana, budget officials predict 6.3 percent total revenue growth over last year. Unlike some states, Indiana is expected to achieve its revenue forecast without implementing any general tax increases.

State budget officials released the September revenue report this week. Total revenues for the month were up 5.8 percent over the same period last year, but fell $29 million below the most recent revenue forecast. Revenues have improved over the previous year each month of the current fiscal year, which began July 1.

More specifically, Indiana’s sales tax and individual income tax revenues in September were up 5.8 percent and 3.7 percent respectively over the same period last year.

While the improvement over last year is good news, Indiana, like almost every state, has a long way to go before revenues return to pre-recession levels. Revenues for the current fiscal year are steadily improving over last year, but it’s important to remember that last year saw one of the worst revenue declines in state history. Indiana isn’t alone in its effort to climb out of the hole dug by the national recession. According to the NCSL survey, at least 17 states don’t expect to return to their peak revenue levels until 2013 or later.

Indiana’s ongoing revenue challenges underscore the importance of maintaining reserves in the last budget plan and supporting Gov. Mitch Daniels’ spending reductions in the months since its passage. Without these prudent fiscal decisions, Indiana would face even bigger challenges than those currently facing state leaders.

The full NCSL report can be found here: www.ncsl.org/documents/fiscal/Projected_Revenue_Growth_in_FY_2011_and_Beyond.pdf

Monthly state revenue reports for the current fiscal year can be found here: www.in.gov/sba/2551.htm

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STATEHOUSE (Sept. 21, 2010) – Saturday, Sept. 25, marks the inaugural Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day in Indiana and State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) encourages Hoosiers to use it as an opportunity to touch the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Recognized throughout the world for her efforts on behalf of persons with IDD, Shriver worked to improve and enhance their lives for more than three decades through programs like the internationally celebrated Special Olympics, which she founded in1968. She was an active part of that event until her death in 2009.

Shriver’s son, Anthony Kennedy Shriver, founded Best Buddies International, Inc., a non-profit organization aiming to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for socialization and employment. Best Buddies programs can be found in each of the 50 states, with accredited international programs on six continents and additional country programs under active development.

Alting is actively involved in Best Buddies of Indiana and last month received the Champion of Friendship award presented by Anthony Kennedy Shriver in recognition of his efforts to improve the independence and social integration of persons with IDD. He also recently attended the organization’s fundraising event in Carmel, Calif., where nearly $4 million was raised to support their cause. For more information about Best Buddies of Indiana, Alting suggested a visit to www.bestbuddiesindiana.org.

He said Best Buddies compliments the important work of Special Olympics, a global nonprofit organization including nearly 200 million people throughout the world who have IDD. By using sports as their platform, the organization aims to create a world where every person is celebrated and accepted. In Indiana, there are nearly 7,500 volunteers working with the organization that hosts more than 3,000 events in the state. To become involved with the Special Olympics, visit www.specialolympics.org.

“In recognition of Eunice’s life and her legacy, Special Olympics and Best Buddies will lead the world in celebration and inspiring people to carry out acts of inclusion, acceptance and unity for and with people with IDD,” Alting said. “I encourage Hoosiers to use this day to get involved with the Special Olympics or Best Buddies, volunteer at a learning center or in a special education classroom, donate supplies to organizations working with people with IDD, or simply invite a peer with IDD to lunch or a sporting event.”
 
For more information, Alting said to visit the Best Buddies or Special Olympics websites, as well as www.eksday.org. He also suggested calling Best Buddies of Indiana at (317) 436-8440.

“I hope Hoosiers will join in this celebration and become agents of acceptance as well as challenging their friends and family to do the same,” Alting said. “Although Sept. 25 can be set aside to touch the lives of those with IDD, please keep in mind that opportunities to show acts of acceptance present themselves every day.”

Sen. Alting represents Senate District 22, which includes a portion of Tippecanoe County.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 13, 2010) – Indiana Senate Republicans are seeking college interns for the 2011 legislative session – a learning experience State Sens. Ron Alting and Brandt Hershman (Rs-Lafayette) say offers a “unique behind-the-scene view of democracy in action.”
 
Hershman said applications for the four-month, Indianapolis-based paid internships are available online at www.senaterepublicans.in.gov/internship.htm and due by Oct. 31.

“Graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in state government should apply now for a spring internship with the Indiana Senate Majority Caucus,” Hershman said. “All academic majors are welcome with some intern positions being especially appealing to students studying communications, criminal justice, business, education, health, history, photography, political science, public relations and telecommunications, among others.”

“Qualified candidates should have successful academic backgrounds and will be teamed with full-time press secretaries and legislative assistants,” Alting said. “Interns are also invited to attend the General Assembly’s ceremonial Organization Day in mid-November and officially begin their internships with an orientation at the end of December.”

According to Alting, internships last the duration of the legislative session, which by law is scheduled to end by April 29. He said students should plan to live in or near Indianapolis, because of the varied work schedule. A $700 bi-weekly stipend is paid to help interns with expenses.

Communications interns will gain practical experience in helping prepare and distribute news releases, guest columns, letters to the editor, direct mail, e-newsletters, e-invitations, web updates, radio feeds, pod-casts and video productions. Legislative interns will work alongside senators and legislative assistants in responding to constituent calls, letters and e-mails, as well as staffing Senate committees and assisting with floor proceedings.
 
College Credit
Hershman said academic credit for the internship varies from college to college and is determined by their academic advisors.  Interns often arrange correspondence or independent courses. A three-credit-hour state government course, conducted at the Statehouse throughout the session, is available to all interns.
 
Scholarship Opportunities
At the end of each year’s legislative session, Verizon Communications offers a $3,000 scholarship to the top intern from each of the caucuses – Republican and Democrat. Additionally, each caucus awards a $1,000 scholarship in memory of longtime Senate staffer Rick Gudal.
 
More Information
Alting said for more information about internships with the Indiana Senate Republicans, students may contact Jennifer Carlton, intern coordinator, by calling her toll-free at 800-382-9467.
 
Alting represents Senate District 22, which includes a portion of Tippecanoe County.

STATEHOUSE (September 9, 2010) – Recently released state revenue figures for August show continued fiscal improvement over last year, though the fragile state of the national economy remains a threat to Indiana’s recovery.

Total revenue collections for August were $938 million, an 8.4 percent increase over the same period last year. These totals were slightly below the amount predicted in the two-year state budget that passed in June 2009. However, experts released an updated forecast in December 2009 that more accurately reflects the severity of the national recession and has helped determine more acceptable spending levels for state agencies. When measured against this updated forecast, August collections actually exceeded the newer targets by $51 million.

The state’s two largest revenue sources, sales taxes and individual income taxes, both showed solid growth over the same period last year. The jump in income tax collections reflects the state’s strong private-sector job growth, which has increased at four times the national average this year, totaling nearly 56,000 new jobs.

Despite this encouraging one-month revenue snapshot, state lawmakers continue to face serious fiscal challenges heading into next year’s budget-writing session. Even if the most recent revenue forecast is achieved, the state would end the current fiscal year $797 million below what was expected in the June 2009 two-year budget.

Indiana’s continued revenue challenges affirm Statehouse Republicans’ insistence on protecting at least $1 billion in reserves during the 2009 budget-writing session and supporting Gov. Mitch Daniels’ spending reductions in the months since. Had we followed Statehouse Democrats’ plan to spend the reserves and avoid difficult reductions, Indiana would be broke or raising taxes like other states.

Senate Republicans are committed to maintaining a responsible approach to budgeting as we move forward, so Indiana can remain in the black and protect Indiana taxpayers during already tough economic times.

STATEHOUSE (Sept. 2, 2010) – State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) is leading the state’s fight against synthetic cannabinoids by working to ban marijuana-like substances in Indiana and creating stiff penalties for using and selling the products.

“Unfortunately, Hoosiers think these products are safe because they are currently sold over the counter, but this isn’t the case,” Alting said. “Thankfully, some communities understand the risks involved with having man-made marijuana available to consumers and they are passing ordinances locally banning these products. It’s a clear signal that this is a growing problem statewide and Indiana needs to take statewide action. That’s what I plan to initiate when legislative session reconvenes in January.”

Synthetic cannabinoids are blends of herbs and chemicals. When smoked and inhaled, they mimic the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in marijuana. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, intoxication from THC can cause distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty in thinking and problem solving, and trouble with learning and memory functions.

Alting said that while synthetic cannabinoids are marketed as incense, aromatic potpourri or fertilizer, most people smoke the products like marijuana in hopes of achieving an intoxicating high.

“Side effects from inhaling these products include hallucinations, increased heart rates, headaches, seizures and vomiting,” Alting said. “I have worked with law enforcement officers, prosecutors and attorneys to draft legislation adding synthetic cannabinoids to the state’s list of controlled substances, making it illegal to sell or purchase these products.”

This new generation of recreational psychoactives first emerged in 2006 under the product name “Spice.” Now more than 40 similar items are sold throughout the world under several brand names, including K2, L.A. Spice, Mr. Dutchy, Mr. Smiley, Smoke, Space Truckin, Spice Gold and Voodoo Magic.

“Ingredients in these drugs have not even been scientifically and medically tested on humans. Anyone who is smoking this stuff is in danger, as might be their children, family members and friends,” Alting said.

Because of potential health concerns, Alting said more than ten countries have taken legal actions to ban or control ‘Spice’ and related drugs. He said Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, North Dakota and Tennessee have banned the use of cannabinoid products. Some Indiana communities have also enacted local ordinances.
Nationally, the Drug Enforcement Administration has classified chemicals used to make synthetic cannabinoids as “drugs and chemicals of concern,” but currently, the chemicals are not federally regulated or prohibited under the Controlled Substances Act.

STATEHOUSE (Aug. 13, 2010) – Best Buddies of Indiana recently presented State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) with the Champion of Friendship award in recognition of his efforts to improve the independence and social integration of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

“I strongly believe in giving a voice to those who run the risk of being mistreated just because they may be seen by some as being different,” Alting said. “While I appreciate this recognition, the real reward comes from helping people. I want to take this opportunity to encourage all Hoosiers to befriend, employ and support individuals with IDD.”

Best Buddies of Indiana is the local chapter of Best Buddies International, Inc. Founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver in 1989, Best Buddies International, Inc. is a non-profit organization aiming to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for socialization and employment. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 states, with accredited international programs on six continents and additional country programs under active development.

Shriver presented the award to Alting at the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference at Indiana University.

“It was an honor to present Senator Alting with the 2010 Champion of Friendship award on behalf of Best Buddies Indiana,” Shriver said. “Senator Alting has been a tremendous supporter of Best Buddies in Indiana and he has worked diligently to ensure our programs continue to thrive.  He is a terrific asset to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities around the state.”

According to Sarah Baldini, the state director for Best Buddies of Indiana, the Champion of Friendship award is presented to those who have championed the Best Buddies cause and were instrumental in helping secure state funding to support inclusion programs for Hoosiers with IDD in Indiana.

Alting said funding from the state helps support six important Best Buddies programs:

• Best Buddies Citizens matches people with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with individuals in the corporate and civic communities;
• Best Buddies Jobs continues the integration of people with intellectual disabilities into the community through supported employment;
• Best Buddies Colleges pairs people with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with college students;
• Best Buddies High Schools pairs students with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships with high school students;
• Best Buddies Middle Schools pairs students with intellectual disabilities in one-to-one friendships; and
• E-Buddies is an e-mail pen pal program partnering people with an intellectual disability ages 10 and up with peer volunteers from across the United States and around the globe.

For more information about Best Buddies of Indiana, Alting suggested a visit to www.bestbuddiesindiana.org.

Sen. Alting represents Senate District 22, which includes a portion of Tippecanoe County.

STATEHOUSE (July 27, 2010) – Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) today appointed State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) as a member of the Interim Study Committee on Gaming.

Long also tapped Alting to serve as a member of the Commission on Childhood Poverty, ISTEP Program Citizens’ Review Committee, Commission on Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises, Rail Corridor Safety Committee, Tourism Council, Indiana Veterans’ Home Advisory Committee and the Committee on Educational Attitudes, Motivation and Involvement.

During summer and fall months when the legislature is not in session full time, lawmakers utilize bipartisan study committees and commissions to conduct in-depth research into complicated, complex issues facing Hoosiers. Often their work results in solutions and legislation that might otherwise go unaccomplished during the fast pace of the winter- and springtime legislative session, Long said. 

Long said the Interim Study Committee on Gaming will study the new requirements for Hoosier-owned, sired and bred horses participating in Indiana races. Committee members will also review the distribution of money between horse owners and race tracks.

“Senator Alting has worked diligently on these and similar issues in the past and undoubtedly he will continue with that same commitment on these study committees and commissions,” Long said. “Hoosiers from all of our districts will benefit from Senator Alting’s work.”

Alting said he will also closely watch developments of other key study committees, review their recommendations and seek public input before the Indiana General Assembly reconvenes in January of 2011:

• Interim Study Committee on Economic Development: Will study economic development tools and evaluate how Indiana’s tax laws can encourage business investment and job creation. Members will also review best practices in state and local economic development policies and study the use and effectiveness of tax credits and deductions.
• Interim Study Committee on the School Funding Formula: Will conduct a comprehensive review of how the state distributes education dollars to rural, suburban and urban school corporations. Members will examine funding to address students living in poverty, needing special education and lacking English-speaking skills.
• Health Finance Commission: Will evaluate impacts of Obamacare on Indiana. Members will also study the prevalence of brain injuries and the availability and costs of brain injury treatment.
• Unemployment Insurance Oversight Committee: Will study the costs of linking unemployment benefits to average weekly pay and cost of living increases, as well as adjusting the wage base on which employers must pay unemployment insurance premiums.
• Census Data Advisory Committee: Will research ways to ensure the state’s redistricting process is fair and accurate for the 2011 redistricting process and explore the best practices of other states, including the option of establishing an independent commission to draw district boundaries in the future.
• Criminal Law and Sentencing Policy Study Committee: Will examine if methamphetamine ingredients ephedrine and pseudoephedrine should be classified as controlled substances, the effectiveness of tracking the sales of these substances and the cost of cleaning contaminated properties where methamphetamines were manufactured. Lawmakers will review policies regarding “sexting” – sending sexually suggestive material over the Internet, cellular phones and other devices by minors – and study ways to reduce prison costs, stop repeat offenders and improve public safety.
• Interim Study Committee on Driver Education: Will review instructional standards of Internet-based and classroom programs and compare moving-violation and crash statistics among teen drivers from both learning models.

More information about committee topics, schedules and agendas will be available online at www.in.gov/legislative/interim.

Sen. Alting represents Senate District 22, which includes a portion of Tippecanoe County.