Rep. Baird gives Rotary General Assembly session recap

Saturday, May 25, 2013
Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN
Drawing attention to some information about the state's budget, House District 44 state representative Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) speaks to the Greencastle Rotary Club on Wednesday.

Classifying the 2013 session of the Indiana General Assembly as having a "practical, common sense approach," State Representative Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) discussed this spring's activity at the Indiana Statehouse with the Greencastle Rotary Club on Wednesday.

A member of the club who had a busy spring in Indianapolis, Baird spent Wednesday back in the fold with his fellow Rotarians speaking about accomplishments of which he was particularly proud in this session.

The District 44 representative expressed his concern with the state's investment in infrastructure.

Having spent his time as a Putnam County Commissioner trying to maintain the county's roads and bridges in the face of fewer funds, Baird was proud that this budget put increased funds toward infrastructure.

The Vietnam veteran also discussed a pair of bills that will help veteran small business owners and veteran college students.

"I'm extremely pleased about the attitude we have about our veterans," Baird said.

Of the 1,259 bills introduced in both houses this session, Baird said about 23 percent became new laws. In the face of that much reading, Baird said he tried to take time to really consider each vote he takes.

"Every one of those bills has some impact on someone," he said.

The most important issue, Baird said, is the state budget. With the budget sitting at $15 billion annually, he said he is careful with budget decisions.

"It's our money, so I try to be practical and judicious," he said.

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