Rep. Jim Baird appointed to two committees

INDIANAPOLIS -- House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) appointed State Representative Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) to serve on the Environmental Quality Service Council and the Commission on Military and Veteran Affairs.

"I'm honored to receive these two committee assignments, and as a farmer and veteran, I'm very passionate about resolving environmental and veteran issues to move our state forward," said Rep. Baird. "These committees allow my colleagues and I additional time, contrary to the fast-pace of the legislative session, to go more in-depth on specific issues, working towards a solution to benefit Hoosiers."

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.

"Summer study committees provide an opportunity for legislators, experts and the public to come together to address individual issues," said Rep. Baird. "Although new laws will go into effect this year to benefit veterans, there is still more work to be done. I look forward to diving in and building on what was accomplished to continue to make Indiana one of the most attractive states to live for veterans, farmers and Hoosier families."

To see a complete list of the assigned committees, member appointments and what the committees are charged with studying, please visit: www.in.gov/house_republicans.