State Sen. Miller receives interim study committee assignments

Pete Miller

DANVILLE -- Indiana State Sen. Pete Miller (R-Avon) has been appointed as a member of the ISTEP Program Citizens' Review Committee and Public Officers Compensation Advisory Commission, Senate President Pro Tem David Long (R-Fort Wayne) has announced.

"These are my first assignments as a state senator, and I take my appointments very seriously," Miller said. "Student achievement and how it's measured is crucial -- that's why it's so important for the 15-member ISTEP review committee to thoroughly examine ISTEP's content and scoring

"At the same time, my experience with the Indiana Office of Management and Budget will help me contribute to the Public Officers Compensation Advisory Commission as we review salary adjustments during this budget-writing year."

Miller is serving out the remainder of the District 24 State Senate term of Connie Lawson, who resigned earlier this year after being named Indiana secretary of state by Gov. Mitch Daniels.

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.

"Study committees are an integral part of Indiana's legislative process," Long said. "Many of the topics examined by lawmakers during this time lay the groundwork for legislation that will come before the General Assembly in the upcoming session."

Miller added he expects some proposals generated for the 2013 session will focus on:

* Ensuring Indiana continues its record of balanced budgets and living within the state's means.

* Reviewing state taxes and regulations to make sure they are encouraging job creation.

* Making sure public education gives every student the opportunity for college and career success.

State lawmakers are appointed to study committees by the Legislative Council, comprised of 16 voting members -- eight from the House of Representatives and eight from the Senate.

A complete list of interim appointments for Senate Majority Caucus members can be found by visiting www.in.gov/senate.republicans and clicking the on the "Republican Members" tab.