ORANGE COUNTY – The Orange County Third House held their first meeting since February of 2020, due to COVID-19 restrictions, that presented State Senator Gary Byrne (R-Harrison County) and State Representative Steve Bartels (R-Eckerty).
Representative J. Michael Davisson (R-Salem) was also set to attend but had to handle other business that had come up.
Orleans Clerk/Treasurer Robert Henderson introduced the two representatives by giving them the floor to provide a “Wrap Up” of the 2022 Indiana General Assembly and allow citizens the opportunity to ask questions and meet with their local officials.
Rep. Bartels first discussed some of the House Bills he either supported or co-authored that took place during the 2022 session including HB 1001, HB 1002, and HB 1004.
“Now that we have data on how the pandemic is panning out, it still comes down to employee rights, and that’s what HB 1001 focuses on,” said Bartels. “This allows businesses to enforce universal PPE usage, but not mandate employees to be vaccinated or test regularly against the COVID-19 virus, giving the rights back to the employees. The importance to not only these bills, but others that are being worked on, is providing the best opportunity to every county in Indiana.”
Senator Byrne then addressed those in attendance on his belief of election integrity and ways that the country can avoid any potential issues or claims of interference during future election periods.
“We have started to have election months, rather than election day and we need to get away from that. I believe that focusing the elections on single days, with paper ballots is the best way to go to avoid any potential issues,” said Byrne. “I know that currently, the plans for the 2024 election have in place a receipt that will print out to have a paper trail as proof to avoid speculation.”
Senator Byrne assumed position left by Senator Houchin in February of 2022 for her plans to run for the U.S. House of Representatives, a role he feels he is truly ready for.
“I lived in rural Indiana my entire life, I have served on Town Councils, and County Councils, and I know what needs to be done in these communities,” Byrne said. “I was sworn in to replace Senator Houchin and immediately thrown into the action. I want to make sure that it is clear, that I don’t serve specific boundaries, I serve rural communities.”
Community members then addressed Byrne and Bartels, with one of the main concerns falling on the issue with Volunteer Fire Departments and being taxed to help other towns.
The main issue, according to Rep. Bartels is the lack of incentives to bring in more volunteer firefighters. Having to find a way to bring in additional help, and finding other ways to help fund these VFDs is something he will look into and discuss with other representatives.
The other issue presented was how inflation rates will affect the state and the country, currently sitting at a 7.4 percent inflation rate which was higher than anticipated, and is currently being seen with the rise in gas prices in the area.
Senator Byrne addressed this by focusing on how similar it was to the 2008 market crash, and how the country was able to build back up again. He feels the economy won’t be permanent and will be ironed out.
He then focused on the issue of gas prices, reminding those in attendance of where the money from these prices and gas taxes go, to improve roadways and highways for safer travel.
