Michael seeks State House again

Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Michael

State Rep. Nancy Michael of Greencastle has announced she will seek re-election as 44th District representative in the Indiana House.

The district includes all of Putnam County and portions of Clay, Parke and Vigo counties.

"Serving District 44 has been a pleasure and great privilege, particularly at such a challenging, important time in our state's history," Michael said.

During her first term, Michael made constituent service and communication a priority.

"It has been important to develop an open system of communication to ensure people feel connected," Michael said. "I have attempted to use as many different tools as possible to keep the residents of the 44th District informed and aware of what is going on at the Statehouse -- weekly reports, e-mail updates, legislative surveys, radio and one-on-one visits.

"Whether or not folks agree or disagree with the issues debated at the State House, it has been important that they get the information directly from me in order to make their opinions and concerns heard," she continued.

In her first two years in office, Michael authored one measure to create a business recruitment program for local economic development organizations and another bill that enabled schools to pursue improvements that can help lower heating costs. She co-authored a law that toughens penalties for inmates who possess cellular phones.

"I am also proud to have worked on legislation that addressed victim's rights, enhanced the grant program for E85 fuel stations that benefit Indiana's farmers, and directed the state to spend more time addressing the needs of Indiana's small businesses," Michael said.

Looking ahead, Michael said many of the issues that dominated the Legislature's agenda the past two sessions will continue to be of importance in the next few years: Job creation and retention, education, government funding, our unemployment trust fund, and creating policies that that make sense and will protect our taxpayers.

"As we move into 2011, my biggest concern will be our need to prioritize services," she said. "I believe revenues will continue to be short. People are anxious about the uncertainty of our future. My job is to provide trust and confidence as I work to represent the district."

Michael currently serves on four standing Indiana House committees: Agriculture and Rural Development, Small Business and Economic Development, Local Government and Natural Resources. She is a member of the Indiana General Assembly's rural caucus.

Michael served as Mayor of Greencastle from January 1996 to December 2007. She also served as Putnam County Clerk from 1987-90 and represented Greencastle Township on the Putnam County Council from 1987-95.

A 1978 North Putnam High School graduate, Michael holds a bachelor's degree in business management and administration (with a minor in transportation) from Indiana University. She works as the business development officer at First National Bank in Greencastle.

Michael is a member of Greencastle Christian Church, Clay County & Putnam County Farm Bureau, and the Greencastle Rotary Club.

She and her husband Steve have two children, Peter and Mary Ann.