Each summer and fall — when Indiana’s part-time legislature is not in session — lawmakers are assigned to interim study committees that meet to review the state’s top issues, as identified by the General Assembly during the prior legislative session.

“These summer study committees are a vital part of the legislative process in Indiana,” Charbonneau said. “Even though session takes place during the first few months of the year, the foundation for legislation is discussed, debated and developed in these study committees.”

In addition, Charbonneau was appointed to serve on the following committees:

·         Health Finance Commission

·         Commission on State Tax and Financing Policy

·         Distressed Unit Appeal Board

·         Environmental Adjudication Director Selection Panel

·         Lake Michigan Marina & Shoreline Development Commission

Study committee topics are assigned by the Legislative Council, comprised of 16 voting members — eight from the House of Representatives and eight from the Senate.

Rep. Gutwein receives summer study committee assignments

STATEHOUSE – House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) has appointed State Rep. Douglas Gutwein (R-Francesville) to serve on the Unemployment Insurance Oversight Committee.

“I’m privileged to be appointed to the Unemployment Insurance Oversight Committee, and when reviewing these critical unemployment issues, I will work my hardest to make decisions that will benefit all Hoosier workers,” said Rep. Gutwein.

After the conclusion of every legislation session, the Legislative Council meets to assign topics for study during the summer months, known as the interim. Additionally, the council establishes any new interim committee that is needed to examine a particular issue. Most interim committees will begin meeting in July with their work wrapping up toward the end of October.  

Interim committees are an integral part of the legislative process. Even though session is adjourned for 2013, legislators will be continuing their duties by conducting in-depth studies of various topics assigned to their committees. Interim committees with specific expertise receive public testimony and work out the details of proposed legislation before it is introduced in the 2014 session.

“Indiana’s unemployment rate stubbornly hoovers close to 8.3 percent, which is too high, and many critical factors affect that rate,” said Rep. Gutwein. “By partnering with the state’s workforce development experts serving on the unemployment committee, my colleagues and I will continue to work to uphold Indiana’s reputation as a pro-jobs state.”