Rep. Jud McMillin commented on the latest legislative session:

“Despite a divisive start to session, we were able to come together to pass legislation that will help Hoosiers across the state. One of our top priorities this year was to provide all Hoosiers workers the choice to decide whether or not to financially support a union.  Indiana now joins 22 other Right to Work states which have enjoyed three times the job growth of other states.

“Other accomplishments include providing an additional $80-$100 million dollars to completely fund full day kindergarten, making additional compensation available to the victims and families of the State Fair tragedy and if there are excess reserves, provide taxpayers a modest refund.

“This year, I carried legislation to encourage people in tough situations to make better decisions and help rather than avoid the law. I also worked on legislation that will improve our criminal code system, protect Indiana’s rich heritage by preserving historic cemeteries where our soldiers are buried, and phase out Indiana inheritance tax in Indiana.

“One bill I authored, drug testing for welfare recipients, passed the House with strong bipartisan support and we made substantial strides towards bringing meaningful entitlement reform to our state.  

“These last two years, the Indiana General Assembly has faced a unique set of challenges, but with hard work and a deliberate approach we’ve achieved many of our goals to strengthen Indiana.”

Sen. Johnny Nugent says:

“I’m very pleased with the hard work and dedication demonstrated by my fellow legislators this session. Although we all have varying opinions, it helps to remember that — when it comes down to it — we’re all doing what we think is in the best interest of Hoosiers back home.

“I’m also thrilled to have supported many major pieces of legislation this year, including an effort to strengthen protections against sexual exploitation for Indiana minors. Senate Enrolled Act 4 was the first bill signed into law by Gov. Mitch Daniels this year, improving our human trafficking statutes.

“Legislators also approved an initiative I sponsored to help ensure local emergency crews have access to the equipment needed for saving lives and responding to crises. House Enrolled Act 1052 would require the Indiana Department of Administration to award quantity purchase agreements to vendors and offer bulk pricing to local crews, effectively lowering costs for the needed tools.

“There are still countless more issues I could discuss that aim to help improve the lives of people in the Hoosier state — including the Senate Republican measure to address the controversial Barnes v. State ruling and promote homeowners’ right to defend their property or the initiative to phase out Indiana’s inheritance tax, which is one of the highest in the country.

“Legislators ended the 2012 session on a high note, and our state may be better in the long run because of the work done here.”