Michael placed on two study committees

Thursday, September 3, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS -- State Rep. Nancy Michael (D-Greencastle) announced Wednesday that she has been appointed by House Speaker B. Patrick Bauer (D-South Bend) to serve on two legislative study committees.

Study committees convene during the interim between legislative sessions to give lawmakers time to research policy issues in earnest before offering a bill for consideration. They are different than standing House and Senate Committees, which review and revise specific legislation while the General Assembly is in session.

"Lawmakers appreciate the study committee because it allows us to lay the groundwork for future policy debates without the pressure of moving a bill through the legislative process," Michael said. "The power of research and investigation conducted through these committees should not be underestimated."

Michael will serve on the following committees during the summer and fall months of 2009:

Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations. This commission researches issues that concern both the state and local municipalities.

Indiana Protection and Advocacy Services Commission. This commission assures that the state is appropriately advocating for the rights and protections of Hoosiers with disabilities.

Michael noted that committees are completely bipartisan, and include lawmakers from both the Indiana House and Senate. Committee chairs can also appoint citizen members who provide a level of expertise to the topic at hand.

Committees customarily complete their work by the end of October, at which time they submit their findings to the Legislative Council, a group of Statehouse leaders that govern the activities of the General Assembly when it is not session.

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