Sen. Charbonneau: “This session, lawmakers had to vote on some tough issues that affect the daily lives of constituents. We only have two choices when we cast our votes, yes or no. This can be easy when it comes to some policies, but other issues like right to work and the smoking ban have gray areas that make yes-no votes difficult. It is always my goal to do what is best for the overall good of those living in Senate District 5.

"That’s why it was important for me to help grow the amount of interest generated from the sale of Porter Hospital, attract employers to our area by providing tax incentives for locating here with high-paying jobs, and provide a thirteenth check to retired teachers, police officers and other PERF members. I will be working in the upcoming days and weeks to provide information about these and other new laws, and as always, I welcome the opportunity to discuss policies.” 

Gov. Daniels: “Thanks to the members of the General Assembly for another extraordinarily productive session, and, on top of that, one that finished ahead of schedule. Full-day kindergarten for every Indiana 5-year-old, after all our years of effort, is certainly a highlight for me. But 2012 also saw a host of other breakthroughs: protections against secondhand smoke, a ‘credit creep’ bill to promote college affordability, a phase-out of the inheritance tax and right to work, to name a few.

“My biggest regret is that we only achieved two of the local government reforms that we sought, but still that marks forward progress and I hope a foundation for future improvements.”